Monday, October 11, 2010

Simple Books

I was also very fortunate to spend the day with Robin Fogarty and Brian M. Pete. The entire day was fabulous, but it is always a great feeling when the presenters talk about something you've been doing for a long time. We were trying out different ways take notes or share information with others, and Brian Pete started to show how to make a simple book out of one piece of paper. YES! Something I've done for awhile!

I use these simple books in my classroom for note taking, author studies, forms of poetry, as a test prep study guide, nature sketching, cartooning, drawing and anything else the kids can think up. When they are first learning how to make a book you are also sneaking in a lesson on following directions, and some fine motor skills practice (It's similar to the ravioli that is on the market now with one serving of vegetables hidden inside!).

The books can be made with any size paper and are very simple to make. Watch the video and see how easy it is. One hint: Focus on the creases.

1 comment:

J. Kornoely said...

Wonderful post Puzzleman!

This idea has so many practical uses for the classroom. I think folks who haven't yet tried mini-books will.

I like the idea Brian Pete shared of creating a mini-book briefcase. The briefcase is a way to organize the mini-books students create over the year.

Glad to have you on the blog Puzzleman.