God has planted a new idea in my head, I hope many of you might find this idea useful too. The idea itself has been rolling in my brain for a while now, but finally came all together last week and now I am ready to share our first Tot-Book! I have wanted to begin making lapbooks with K when he showed readiness signs (you know-not ripping up every paper he sees 😉 ). But, I knew a full-sized lapbook was just too much for a little guy. Then I saw this great idea to cut a file folder in half a couple of months ago. Still, my idea hadn’t come together.
Finally last week, it hit me! I decided to run with the idea of taking the skills I hope to expose K to (ABC’s, colors, shapes, etc.) and put them into themed miniature lapbooks for him. Hoping the theme would draw him in since he already loves it! I chose the first theme of Cars (the Disney movie) since he ADORES the movie and cars in general. I thought that would be a great place to start – man was I right! Before I keep blabbing on, here is a photo of the Tot-Book (yup, I decided to give them a name too, so people would know what I was talking about when I wrote about them and shared them).
He began with the Cars Colors mini book and this was the first time he repeated colors back to me while using the correct color crayon! I was thrilled. He loved the Cars, so he was more than interested enough to discuss a few colors! He even read along with me, it was great!
Then I put the rest of it together for him, and let him explore it. He was VERY interested in it since it had all of his “friends” in it. We were able to spend a long time together because it kept his interest.
I put a piece of construction paper on the back to make it more sturdy and let him decorate the back with Cars stickers. As he grows I hope to begin letting him illustrate something from the theme. I love the early drawings so very much–don’t we all?! I think these will be wonderful keepsakes and memories of his tot years. 
His favorite part is definitely the “My Name” fold out book. I don’t know if he loves the way it folds or if he loves that it is his name. I printed this on card stock for durability, and so far he is following the *be gentle* rule well. 😉
See all of our Theme Based Learning Printables here!
A brilliant and very cute idea! I love it! ~Sako
Well, if that’s not the greatest idea, I don’t know what is!!! You know I’m going to have to try it now! 🙂 All my good ideas come from you!
~Homeschool Madness
I make these for my son too! He loves them!
Carisa,
I meant to say that I make the mini lapbooks! Obviously you know that since you linked me! Duh! :)I hit send too soon!I love your ideas and Kaden will love these. I love your blog and have gotten many great ideas for my boys! Thanks!
Michele
You know, long before I ever heard of lapbooks I made a regular old book for my oldest when she was 4. I included things she knew and things she only kind of knew. But reading that book over and over really made it to where she DID know the things in there. It worked really well. I may just have to post pictures!
Carisa-
Wonderful job! I love seeing the pictures of Ky using his new Tot-Book…..Bubba has the exact same set of jamies (the basketball ones) they’re just adorable aren’t they!
Can’t wait to see what else you come up with, you’re doing a great job!
Blessings,
Valerie
I absolutely love this idea!! I am new to these lapbooks and have been browsing your site for some time (Tot School); however I am not so computer savvy so I am wondering… Where do you get your pictuers and letters (like in his name)? Do you just make them yourself and print them out? Did you copy and paste the cars from a website? I really love this idea I just feel totally clueless. I have a 2 yr old baby girl and I would love to make these with her in the fall while my 11 yr old is doing her school work. Any help would be great! Kristen in FL [email protected] I am also on THL
This is an adorable idea. Believe it or not, my daughter is obsessed with Cars and Lightning McQueen and she’d love this.
How do you make the pages for the books?
Michie–I use Microsoft Publisher to make everything, I think that’s what youa re asking, let me know if that wasn’t what you meant! 🙂 I hope your daughter enjoys it!!!
🙂 Carisa