How To Make A Mini Notebook With Kids (Spring Project)

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It happens every year. You’ve had. it. with. winter! The tangle of boots by the front door is driving you mad, your kids are vibrating with pent up energy, and the mere hint of another snowstorm sends you running for your stash of dark chocolate.

But then … you see the first signs…. the longer days, the first signs of green shoots and temperatures that creep above +1C.

Ok, so +1 might not seem very warm to you, but to us northerners  it is definitely worth celebrating.

Spring is looking for tadpoles

Ahh the joys of spring after a long hard winter and oh how I wish it were spring right now. The snowbanks may be 4 feet high in our front yard, but I know that spring is unfolding in many places, because friends and family are posting pictures.  So I figured it was time to share one of my favourite spring activities.

Related:

A Simple Activity to Welcome Spring

12 Spring Science Activities Your Kids Will Love

MAKING MINI BOOKS

Mini books can be used for short stories, drawings, art projects. They can also be about particular subjects. As we are entering a new season I thought it would be fun to make some books about spring. Keep scrolling for the FREE printable.

HOW TO MAKE A MINI NOTEBOOK WITH KIDS

Making a book doesn’t have to be complicated. To make it super easy I have created some free printables.

You Will Need

• • Free printable File (see below)
  • Paper cutter or scissors
  • Printer
  • Paper
  • Stapler
  • A variety of small spring decorations

  
  

  Instructions

  1. Download the  free printable file.
  2. Print the cover (page 1) once.
  3. Print the inside pages (page 2) on two sheets of paper.
  4. Cut the inside pages in two along the dotted line. Stack the four pieces one on top of the other. Make sure the text is not upside down.
  5. Cut the cover sheet along the dotted line and place on top of the inside pages.
  6. Fold everything in half and make a sharp crease. Unfold and staple along the fold line.

  

  Now the fun begins! Sit down with your child and show them the cover and pages of the book. Explain that you are going to decorate them and fill the pages with things that remind you of spring. You could use

  • • spring stickers
    • Drawings of things you see or do in the spring/fall/ autumn
    • Spring or fall words
    • Photographs showing signs of spring and fall/ autumn – if possible let your child take the pictures.
    • Pictures cut from magazines/catalogs
    • A page filled with the colors of the season
    • A page filled with spring shapes
    • Spring stamps
    • Foam flowers and bugs

  Let your child take the lead and be prepared to act as scribe if needed.

  

  Spring is playing in puddles

  WITH OLDER CHILDREN

  Older children enjoy making books as well. Just cut and fold blank sheets of paper. Then invite your kids to design and write their own spring book.

  Click here to download free printable

  MAKING MINI BOOKS IS A REALLY EASY FAMILY PROJECT

  This is definitely a fun thing to do with children. I make books with the story time group at the library and they love it every time. I watch with delight as parents and kids work together on the project. It provides opportunity for all kinds of informal chatting and connection and they have a lot of fun!

  It is also a great way to get kids excited about books and provides the opportunity to be creative and practice writing.

  

  When you are done see if you can share the book with someone else. Most family members, neighbors, friends, and even friendly librarians enjoy seeing these creations and will give lots of encouragement.

  I hope you’ll give this activity a try!  Please let me know how it goes! What did your child put in their book?

  

  Spring is …picking dandelions

  YOUR TURN

  What are your favorite spring activities? How would you complete the sentence, “Spring is …