My Mommy

The mini-books are quite simple with images that should appeal to young children and simple, repetitive words that children in Preschool thru Grade 1 should be able to read themselves.

MATERIALS:

• printer

• paper (you can use a slightly heavier paper for a longer lasting book)

• stapler

• something to color with (if using B&W template)

NUMBERED PAGES:

• If you imagine a 'real' book for a second, you know that each page has printing on the front and the back. We're going to fold the pages to make it like a real book.

• Ignore the cover for now.

• Fold each page along the center dotted line so the images are on the OUTSIDE and the blank sides of the paper are on the inside (imagine you're making a greeting card).

• You can use a glue stick, if you like, to glue the pages together (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE COVER!)

• Stack the pages, so the odd numbers are on top and the folded edges are lined up. Trim with scissors or paper cutter if needed.

COVER PAGE:

• Fold the cover page along the dotted line, again with the images on the outside.

• OPTIONAL: You can laminate the cover page or print it on cardstock if you want it to be more like a real book's cover.

ASSEMBLE THE BOOK:

• Open the cover page (like a folder) and slip the pages inside so that when you open the cover you'll see below – the unfolded edges of the pages will go against the folded part of the cover.

• Close the cover page and tap the book so everything lines up.

• Put three or four staples along the edge to hold the book together.

• Trim again, if needed.

• Flip through the book once, carefully folding the pages to make the book easier for the children to read.