This is Part 2 of a 5 Part series.
You can read other parts by clicking the links below:
SS Lapbooks - Part 1 - The Basics
SS Lapbooks - Part 3 - Written Responses
SS Lapbooks - Part 4 - Vocabulary Development
SS Lapbooks - Part 5 - Time Management
Are you interested in social studies lapbooks but haven't quite been convinced because you are struggling to find ways to incorporate them into your existing classroom structures? Have you been using lapbooks and are looking for ways to switch up how you use them in your class? Read through these alternative ways you can deliver social studies instruction using a lapbook-like approach.
Composition Notebooks
I used composition lapbooks last school year. I wanted the students to be able to reference information from prior units and topics but didn't want to house all the folders once the inquiry was complete.
Although lapbooks are designed to fit in a file folder, it was an easy transition to composition notebooks. Instead of printing at full size, I reduced the print to 80% and they fit just fine. I do like the compact and tidy nature of composition notebooks. I used them throughout the school year and reduced other resources meant to be printed at 8.5 x 11 in order to fit them into the composition notebooks. The reduced space didn't impact the ability for the students to respond in a meaningful way.
One additional adjustment I made was to have the students write the heading by hand for the different SS inquiry sections. It saved on paper and allowed for a bit more space for response.
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| Reduce the printer setting to 80% for pieces to fit into composition notebooks. |
Spiral Notebooks
Once upon a time I used spiral notebooks. Overall, I don't recommend them. Although you are able to fit a whole page onto the notebook pages, there are some negative consequences to using spiral notebooks. The covers get torn off. The wire spirals will stretch or become tangled with other spirals. And, the pages tend to rip out. The larger space is a plus but it doesn't offset the negatives.
1 Folder Instead of 2
If I am short on folders or don't want to trim and create a tri-fold folder, I'll use just one folder. I adjust the content on the folder to just the cover and 3 supporting questions. I will copy on cardstock an insert for the vocabulary portions. The additional notes sections can be glued to the back of the vocab card as well.
Stapled Sections with Construction Paper Covers
If you want to avoid using notebooks and folders altogether, you can use construction paper and staple the different sections together as mini-packets. Teachers can copy the needed materials for each section and then staple a construction paper cover to the front. The front page becomes an area for the students to respond to the supporting question. It's a great way to deliver the content in small chunks as to not overwhelm their students. If you wish, you could staple all of the parts together at the end to complete the unit and give the students a collection of their work from the inquiry.
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Section 3 of the Fourth Grade Transcontinental Railroad Inquiry
(student response, graphics, and text) |
Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned pro, there will always be ways you can improve your instruction and the mechanisms you use to deliver it. I have found that a lapbook approach to social studies is a hands-on like approach that students enjoy. Their engagement increases, their responses are more in-depth, and their ownership in the work is evident. No matter how use use them, lapbooks will be a hit in your class!
You can see a range of grades and topics for social studies in my Teachers Pay Teachers store by clicking the links below:
IOWA SOCIAL STUDIES INQUIRIES
NEW YORK STATE SOCIAL STUDIES INQUIRIES
SOCIAL STUDIES RESOURCES: K-2
SOCIAL STUDIES RESOURCES: 3-6