Hands-On History Lap-Pak - Wonders of the World

What's more interactive than a test? More fun than a report? Able to leap all assessment and feedback hurdles in a single fold? A lapbook, of course? "What's a lapbook?" you ask. Visualize a tri-fold table-top presentation display and then downsize it to file-folder size and you'll be getting the idea. From the homeschooling approach that brought us "narration" (Charlotte Mason & Ruth Beechick), now we have lapbooks - and what a fine idea they are!

Lapbooks are made of refolded and connected colored file folders. Then, utilizing the miniature book concept of Dinah Zike, the student prepares and attaches various small books to the file folders. These books are a way of recording information learned in a particular study and presenting it in an interesting and high-recall sort of way. Wouldn't you find it easier to remember the parts of a feather if the information was displayed in a feather-shaped book?

Although anyone can start "from scratch" and make their own lapbook for any subject or study, much of the work has been done for you with these CD-ROMs and kits from Knowledge Box Central. The CD version (Win/Mac-compatible) allows you to print the small books and compile/attach them as you progress through the study. It also allows you to economically provide for multiple students (such as a co-op class) but does not include any file folders. The pre-printed version provides all the printouts needed for one lapbook, but you must provide the file folders, then cut out and put the booklets together as you add the information. If file folders are hard to get ahold of, tag stock or tag board can be used as a substitute. The pre-assembled version does all the cutting and assembling work for you leaving only the need to fill in the information. My first thought was that I would prefer the pre-assembled version saving me all the work. However, further contemplation brought me to the conclusion that there would be more educational value to "building" the lapbook as the student progressed through the course. ~ Janice

  Your upper elementary and middle school lapbook fans will love these printable formats from Home School in the Woods. Known for her detailed, well-designed timeline drawings, Amy Pak applies her skill to lapbooks. Each lap-pak CD-ROM contains over 20 projects with specific directions. Images and text are included. Additionally, an in-depth, topic-focused text can be printed in two formats: for 3-ring binder or in 5.5x8.5" format (32 pp) to include in a lapbook. US Elections covers such topics as political parties, government branches, the Electoral College, and presidential campaigning, etc. Wonders of the World includes a timeline and encompasses ancient, medieval and modern wonders. Natural (such as the Grand Canyon and Northern Lights) and architectural feats (Empire State Building and the Hagia Sophia) are highlighted. Use lap paks as part of a unit study or to inspire additional study. Adobe Reader required; requires a web browser as a landing page; CD-ROM is Mac and PC compatible; audio text is MP3 format. ~ Ruth