Materials
examples of various types of books
crayons, markers, and pencils
variety of paper
hole punch
scissors
ruler
glue
tape
old magazines, calendars, catalogs, and greeting cards
Instructions
1. Ask each child to contribute a drawing or decorated page to a class book
every month. As a group, you might want to decide on a theme for each
month. For example, Rain, Teardrops, and Wet Things; Holiday Fun; Bears,
Beards, and Hairy Things; Having a Party; Razzle Dazzle, Glitter, and Things
that Sparkle. Refurbish and rotate supplies on a monthly basis.
2. Provide a variety of new items such as stamps, stickers, silver contact
paper each month to spur creativity.
3. Compile all of the pages and identify the month on the cover
4. Have all of the monthly class books available in the reading center.
More to do Whenever possible, create a classroom big book after a special event or
activity using large paper grocery bags. Cut the bottom from the bag. Cut
up along the side of the bag and turn it inside out. Attach five bags
together with wide, clear tape to form the binding. Encourage the children
to add their drawings, art designs, and written words. You might want to
divide each page into four sections.
