Our Tot Books provide an engaging, hands-on way to expose toddlers and preschoolers to foundational early learning skills using themes they love. Our new On the Farm Tot Book is a mini lapbook created specifically for little hands, filled with printable activities that target early developmental milestones.
What Is a Tot Book?
The Tot-Book was developed originally in 2008 for my then 2 year old son who was obsessed with the movie Cars. He carried around his Cars Tot-Book and had fun learning shapes, colors, his name, and more because his friend McQueen was “teaching” him.
A tot book is a compact lapbook made specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. You construct it by cutting a standard paper file folder in half and folding the side flaps inward toward the center. This creates a small interactive folder that holds targeted educational activities.
Using themed folders gives younger children a hands-on project while older siblings work on larger homeschool assignments. It builds confidence, preserves fine motor creations, and serves as a wonderful memory keeper.
How to Assemble a Tot Book (w/VIDEO)
Assembly takes only a few simple steps:
- Cut a standard file folder in half horizontally using a paper cutter for smooth edges.
- Fold the right and left edges inward so they meet neatly in the center.
- Print and cut out the activity components from the printable PDF.
- Glue or tape the activities into the interior sections of the folder.
- Optional: Staple a spare piece of folder onto the back to create a storage pocket for loose sheets or extra cards.
- Click here to see helpful supplies.
Check out a quick step-by-step assembly video on Instagram to see how Tot Books come together. Watch the video to see how to fold the folder, attach the pieces, and set up the interactive components before printing. The video features our Five Little Monkeys Tot Book.
What is Included in the Farm Tot Book?
The Farm Tot Book features interactive components designed for early learners. Inside this free printable pack, you will find:
- Editable Name Mini Book: Type your child’s name directly into the PDF before printing to encourage visual name recognition.
- Pre-Writing Tracing Lines: Simple paths to help farm animals find their way to the barn while building fine motor control.
- Matching Pocket Cards: Farm animal illustrations in color and black-and-white to sort, match, and store in a custom folder pocket.
- Farm Colors Activity: Color labels and themed farm images to support basic color identification.
- Trace the Shapes Accordion Book: A mini folding book featuring standard geometric shapes themed around farm animals for shape recognition and line tracing.
- How Many? Counting Book: A simple number introduction covering numbers 1 through 10 with classic farm items like tractors, barns, and chicks.
The base Tot Book is created with the components listed above and can be assembled like this:
Favorite Books and Toys for a Farm Theme
Pairing printables with real books and sensory play creates a rich learning environment. Because toddlers respond so well to physical objects, we love combining our printable activities with physical storybooks and interactive toys.
Here are a few favorite items to pair with this tot book:
Download Your Free On the Farm Tot Book Today
Using interest-based printables keeps young learners excited about daily routines. The Farm Tot Book brings structure and play together while reinforcing foundational early learning skills. Click Here to Download the Free On the Farm Tot Book Printable Set!
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