In our homeschool, we enjoy reading living books rather than textbooks whenever possible. We also enjoy reading classic literature and discussing it together. Some of our best learning moments happen during these times of reading and discussing. One of the ways we record what we’ve learned through these literature discussions is by creating a lapbook.
4 Benefits of Using Lapbooks to Study Literature
- Improved retention of new vocabulary words
- Increased reading comprehension
- Increased attention span for read-alouds
- Discussion starters
Since one of my daughters has special learning issues (autism), it is important to incorporate a multi-sensory experience whenever we can. Working on lapbook components while I read aloud helps her to concentrate and focus on the story. Making a lapbook also allows her to use her artistic talents, which she excels at doing. Lapbooks are a win-win educational experience for us.
Lapbooks can also turn a good book into a cross-curricular study. We often cover language arts, geography, math, and even science all while reading good literature, so it makes for a well-rounded unit study. In fact, if you enjoy unit studies in general, lapbooks can be a great visual representation of everything you’ve learned while studying a particular book or topic.
I’ve gathered a list of our favorite literature-based lapbooks to help you get started right away because they are available for instant download. They are all inexpensive and in many cases, free!
Little House on the Prairie series
100 Famous Writers through History
David Copperfield (Charles Dickens)
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Narnia Chronicles)
Elements of Literature ~ This is a lapbook to actually study the elements of literature itself, such as protagonist, point of view, genre, characterization, and more.
Lapbooking can be a good way to get reluctant readers more interested in literature. It can turn a good book into a complete multi-sensory educational experience!
Have you tried combining lapbooks with literature? Let us know in the comments!
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