Minibooks in Notebooks {50 Things Series}

Notebooking is a flexible method for homeschooling your children. And to prove it, this weekly series demonstrates 50 Things to Put in a Notebook.

Fifty Things to Put into a Notebook:  #8 Minibooks

Minibooks are the main component of lapbooks. But they can be used for notebooks as well. In fact, some moms prefer to create notebooks full of minibooks instead of using the traditional file folder base. Notebooks are generally easier to store and more durable than lapbooks.

If you want to add a minibook to your notebook, simple affix it to a sturdy paper such as cardstock. Hole punch the cardstock, and slip it into your notebook.

Bible Timelines

This three square unfolding book makes a big impression when opened up. It takes up just a tiny space when folded, but allows for plenty of room inside for homeschool lessons.

To some children, minibooks are less threatening than a blank notebooking page. So use that to your advantage. Have your child create a minibook each day after his homeschool lessons. At the end of the week, you will have a set of minibooks to assemble onto notebooking pages. Let your child plan the layout and write titles as needed.

US Government Minibooks

Other options are to slip minibooks into an envelope pocket or a clear page protector.

Science Minibooks in Page Protector

Minibooks can add interest onto a page of written narration and provide more room for details. Consider a matchbook with information inside instead of a flat image to illustrate a page. The possibilities are endless.

I recommend cutting and folding a batch of minibooks in all styles, sizes, and colors. Then keep those blank books handy at your notebooking station along with the blank notebooking pages you have printed out. Giving your child many options will make her notebooking pages more varied and more interesting. And variety is what this series is all about.