Fortunately, thanks to two great fifth grade teachers in my master's class, they showed me how to make a flip book. They have students make them for science, reading, etc.
Making art lesson plans for this year, I thought it would be fun for my art students to make flip books. Students would draw the illustrations for it, and learn the definition fortunately, folding paper and making their books.
Fortunately, this project turned out to be a good lesson in language arts, drawing, writing, creativity, folding paper, plus observing and following directions. I am amazed at the stories the students wrote. Of course, other new words were learned as they learned how to spell more words for their stories. One student realized that he could begin with fortunately and end his book with fortunately. The students colored the fortunately pages, and left the unfortunately pages (black and white) just like in the book.
Unfortunately, many didn't finish after 2 30 minute class periods, but they got to take them home. Fortunately they will finish them, and fortunately they will share with their parents, friends and family.
How to make a flip book: 1) Line up two 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper vertically, making the botttom sheet a half inch or inch higher, but still keep them in a stack as below.
2) Take the bottom, flip the paper up to bend it and fold to make a crease about 1/2 inch or 1 inch from the bottom of the two lines made from doing so. Make a good crease and fold.
3) Turn the papers so the folded pages are facing down. Make sure both pieces of paper are lined up and folded together. Staple about a 1/4 inch from the fold to make the pages into a book.
Students can write the title and draw their pictures in the horizontal position (as shown below) or they may turn the "book" vertically and write and draw their illustrations inside. My students chose Fortunately as their titles. Students were also required to have an illustration that summed up the story of their book on the "cover" as seen below.
We discussed having a colored drawing to attract attention that would make people want to read their books. Did you know that most cover art for books are created AFTER the book is written? I hope you try this with your students, friends, or your own kids. Fortunately it will be fun!
