If you've ever wondered what mini-books are, who uses them and how the heck to store them, then you're going to want to keep reading! Mini-books are an essential classroom reference resource in a compact, easy-to-use package! Who are mini-books for? Mini-books can be used as reference guides for not only students and teachers, but parents as well. Send home the mini-books with students, so that their parents can help them with their writing tasks, as they complete homework assignments. What are mini-books? Mini-books are exactly what its name suggest, a small book (approximately 3.5 x 2 ¼ inches) full of information pertaining to a particular topic. When can mini-books be used? Mini-books can be used anytime! Depending on the type of mini-book, it can be used as an introductory activity to a particular topic, as a reference when completing an assignment, or perhaps even as a study guide before a quiz or test. Where can mini-books be stored? Students: Binder pocket, pencil case, locker, desk, etc. Teachers: If you are looking to collect these books, you might consider storing them in trading card sheet protectors in a binder near your desk. The books neatly fit into the sections and they are also easily accessible (see photo below). The transparent trading card protectors allow students to easily identify and access the reference book as needed. Why mini-books? I created mini-books so that students could easily access information in one spot (sort of like a one-stop-shop). Due to the fact that mini-books are convenient in size, students can easily store them. As teachers know, notes often go missing, so make it easier by printing out all the required information into one easy-to-access (page) book. Also, students are less likely to be missing pages or wasting time looking for lost pages. Finally, you can save paper, as one book is equal to one page! How to use them with your students: As students generally enjoy putting the mini-book together, it only takes a few minutes at the start to get things going. Use the video tutorial and replay as many times as needed (instead of repeating instructions). Students will easily get the hang of the folding instructions, once they complete a book or two. Folding instructions: (a) Oral instruction: A folding instruction page comes with each mini-book, so teachers can use this page as reference to guide students on how to properly create and fold each mini-book. (b) Visual instructions: In hopes of saving teachers from repeating themselves, instructions can be provided via an interactive folding instructions video (below). Students can pause the video as they fold along, as the video does have timed sections for students who wish to work alongside the videos instructions. *The video serves as an excellent visual for students who need clear directions, which can easily be left for a substitute or given as a homework task for the students. All of my mini-books are bundled into this growing mini-book package. They are a great addition to any English Language Arts classroom and suitable for a variety of levels. CLICK HERE for the link to my growing mini-book bundle. What's included in the bundle? • Grammar • Punctuation • Story Writing • Essay Writing • Parts of Speech • Poetry • Figurative Language • MLA Citation • Reading Response • Paragraph Writing • Friendly Letter • Point of View • Speech Writing • Homophones • Shakespeare • Capitalization NEW! Mini-workbooks for kids: • Onomatopoeia • Personification • Simile • Idiom • Homophones I look forward to hearing how these mini-books have helped to keep your student's information organized, saved you time in the photocopy line, and provided an interactive and fun way for students to learn a variety of new skills! Follow The Classroom Sparrow's board English Exposure (English Language Arts) on Pinterest.
