Bookmaking

BOOKMAKING: FROM COMICS TO COOKBOOKS
Developmental Activation: interdisciplinary learning, voice, self-expression

Bookmaking gives children the opportunity to be both author and illustrator of their own story! This activity walks children through how to design a book and what types of illustrations and story elements to include. Children will make comic books, pop-up books, accordion cards, flip books, and cookbooks. They will learn how each type of story communicates meaning differently, then choose what form best suits their story. Children walk away with their own original book and a stronger sense of storytelling.

Each BOOKMAKING activity will include elements of the following:

Introduction to bookmaking:
Discuss the basics of what a book is and why we make books. Show examples of different types of books and discuss their features (e.g. cover, title page, illustrations, pages).

Planning and brainstorming:
Encourage the children to think about what they would like to include in their own books. Have them draw or write down their ideas and discuss them with the class.

Gathering materials:
Help the children gather the materials they will need to make their books, such as paper, scissors, glue, and markers.

Creating the pages:
Have the children create the pages for their books by folding, cutting, and gluing the paper. Encourage them to be creative and to think about the order of the pages and how they will illustrate their stories.

Assembling the book:
Help the children assemble their books by attaching the pages and adding a cover.

Finishing touches:
Encourage the children to add any final touches to their books, such as titles, illustrations, and decorations.

Sharing and celebrating:
Have the children share their completed books with the class and celebrate their hard work and creativity.