http://www.dafont.com/birds-of-a-feather.font

In my local library, they have an AccuCut machine and some dies to use with it. It is FREE to use – you just bring in your own paper. You may also be able to use foam sheets, magnet paper, wallpaper scraps, etc. My library has the shape of Michigan (including the Upper Peninsula, which many times prepackaged shapes do not include), music notes, big letters, some animals, vehicles, paper dolls and more. When was the last time you visited your library? Make sure you look – and if you don’t see one, ask!

My nearest scrapbooking store also has an AccuCut which customers can use for Free – mainly for use by scrapbookers, but if you have things to scrap, or need to buy a sheet of scrapbook paper, that’s always helpful. (Plus, they have a clearance table.)

I purchased a Sizzix machine in the Fall of 2006, on sale, and I found some dies at a resale shop (very inexpensive – what a find!). We have been having fun seeing all the neat things we can do with it. One of the projects my dd did was to make her best friend’s birthday card & decorations for the wrapping paper. Another scrapbook store has a Sizzix machine & some dies people can use while they are at a crop. This particular store seems to have lots of crops (they also have an AccuCut + dies) due to the amount of tables – pretty much have of this store is the crop area.

For game making, these die cut machines are neat because you can use whatever colored paper you have on hand (not limited to the colors on prepackaged shapes), make as many as you want/need per game.
More about AccuCut: AccuCut machines can cut anything scissors can cut–faster and easier.
Make an Accordian Fold Apple Book (see number 5)
Slow As A Turtle Poster – Create a quick and fun poster to introduce similes
A Paper-Cut Collage Lesson Plan – inspired by the works of Henri Matisse
How to Use Curriculum-Based Die-Cut Projects to Stimulate Learning

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.

Library Pocket Templates
http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/library.htm
http://www.houseofstirfry.com/chia/templates/lib01.html
http://www.houseofstirfry.com/chia/templates/lib03.html
http://www.paperwishes.com/products/7273180000

I was looking in a paper craft magazine July 2006 and found a few big punches that fold to shape like little file folders and library pockets. I actually have one that is shaped like little file folders – I got it for our scrapbooking. It’s dimensions are 1-7/8″ x 1-3/10″. Here’s the link to the manufacturer’s website straight to the picture of what it looks like: Mini File Folder Punchie. I’m sure I can incorporate the punchie into our games.

Here’s what the mini library pockets look like: Mini Library Pockets.

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.

Classroom Planetarium–Astronomy/Space lesson plan (grades K-5)
Students learn about the relationship of the nine planets in our solar system to the sun by creating a three-dimensional representation. They find out the planets’ relative distance from the sun and their approximate size in relation to the Earth.

Alexander the Great–Ancient History/World History lesson plan (grades 6-8)
Students learn that as we learn about the people who made history, we can infer their answers and attitudes to questions.

Here’s to Your Healthy Heart!–Human Body lesson plan (grades 6-8)
Students learn the primary controllable and uncontrollable factors that put one at greater risk for developing heart disease, and how to make lifestyle choices that will encourage good cardiovascular and general health.

Unique Plants of the Biomes–Plants lesson plan (grades 6-8)
Students learn that Earth’s surface is divided into a number of biomes characterized by unique plants and animals and a distinctive climate.

A Geological Wonder: Niagara Falls–Earth Science lesson plan (grades 9-12)
Students learn the geological features of Niagara Falls, and the forces that have shaped Niagara Falls.

Dracula–Literature lesson plan (grades 9-12)
Students learn that some fictional literary characters become so famous that they enter popular culture in other forms: movies, games, toys. Working on a product such as a game often demands a collaborative effort.

Risky Business – Health lesson plan (grades 6-12)
Students will review the possible consequences of making risky choices, become familiar with statistics involving teens, and create and play a board game designed to show how bad choices can lead to setbacks.