Reluctant Older Writers might find that lapbooking is up their alley. There are lots of ideas they could do for making a book or lapbook on any subject. For art, create any type of mini-book to attach into the lapbook. Say they’re writing an essay or something like acid rain…design the lapbook layout, makes minibooks to go in it, maybe the shape of a raindrop and write in that area about the damaging effects, in another area create an acetate overlay of something else. See if your library (or inter-library loan) has a Dinah Zike book. While the subjects may be elementary, your child can use their creativity to expand them to what they’re doing. As long as they are making it themself, it won’t be cutesy or fluffy.

For more information on lapbooks, visit the website at Lapbooking on a Shoestring. Email me through the page if you have lapbook pictures or info to share.