Making Simple "Secret" Books with 2nd Graders
Every year I like to inject some life into my program, and do some projects that we have never tackled before. Of course, the first time you try something new, you aren't certain that it will work with the age group you have chosen, or at all.
I was lucky to pilot this book making project with a small group of about 8 students. It went smoothly, so I made these books with a class of about 15 students. Try it! It's great for the students to work on their ability to follow multi-step directions, to do a lot of thinking for themselves, and to learn to work well with friends and classmates. I believe that the secret flap and button are the selling points of this project. They loved making these books.
What you will need:
- 8 1/2 x 11 card stock or 9 x 12
- 8 1/2 x 11 printer paper
- yarn
- waxed hemp or some other material that ties well, but doesn't become unraveled
- wooden beads
- standard hole punches
- decorative paper (optional)
Demonstrate folding the card stock almost in half, with a tab that will become the flap
Students will then design the flap, making a fancy edge, just rounding
the corners, or cutting them like an envelope. Have them use a pencil so
they don't waste paper. They seem to enjoy having a choice in this.
They can punch a hole as far in from the edge as possible on the flap,
in the center.
Show the students how they will take 4 sheets of printer paper and fold them exactly in half. You will need to trim the paper on a paper cutter for the students, to fit within the folded cover. Demonstrate how you need to hold the papers, centered, while a friend punches two holes, as far in from the edges as possible.
They will need to cut a piece of yarn that is 3X the width between the punched holes. This is a good introduction to measuring without a ruler! They might ask you more than one time how to feed the yarn through the holes to create the bow. That's the fun of teaching right there!
The hemp will need to be cut by you, most likely. It will need to be 4.5 times the width of the book, the short way. Students can put the bead on the string, and then if they cannot tie a knot, you will need to do it. They are amazed at how snugly the button fits and works. Here are some student examples:
If you have time, you can offer up some decorative papers that they can either cut and glue on, or leave as a single, sheet. I am sure that this would be great for 3rd or 4th graders as well. Have fun with it.
My sample:
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