|Printable Materials > Alphabet > Mini-Books > Mini-Book Instructions and Assembly|
printable alphabet mini books presented here work in conjunction with
the Alphabet Activity Worksheets
(illustration below). The small sticker images at the bottom of the activity
worksheets will be used to complete the mini-book. The completed mini-book pages can also be used as flash cards
instead of assembling a book. The materials are appropriate for older toddlers, preschoolers
and early elementary.
The consonants will be presented first in the sequence suggested at KidZone.ws
Consonants -- extremely
reliable, reliable, generally
reliable, unreliable, very
Conduct and adapt the learning activities
suggested above. The book format method is the traditional way of
making a homemade book. Cut the pages, number the pages if desired,
staple and cover the stapled area with a binder strip (template provided).
Additional learning activities for book format with binder:
1. Discuss the parts of the book: the front cover, the title, author, text, illustrations, etc. Omit this activity in future mini book activities once you feel the children have learned these concepts. The front cover also offers the opportunity for children to practice writing their first name.
2. Scissor cutting: Older preschoolers can practice scissor cutting skills and cut out the elements of the books as much as possible by themselves.
3. Letter Tracing Practice: It is up to the educator to include or omit the tracer practice page.
4. Numbers: Organize pages alphabetically and optionally help children to number the pages on the left lower corner to practice numerals.
5. Adult: Staple twice in the areas indicated in the front/title page.
6. Cover the stapled area with the book binder template. Fold the book binder template along the center dotted line -- use a glue stick and glue in place in the front of the book first, and press firmly, then press in place in the back - it takes about ten minutes for the book binder to dry thoroughly. Covering the stapled area is a good safety step. Staples tend to bend and open easily, scratch the skin, or get tangled in the clothing causing damage, and children under three are tempted to "taste" them!
Summary of some of the skills covered using the mini books or flash cards:
1. Letter recognition practice in upper and lower case, and initial letter sound.
2. Small motor skills / eye and hand coordination - scissor cutting, the placement of the stickers within the square, tracing the letters if applicable and using coloring tools all help address these skill areas.
3. Vocabulary and basic knowledge in various themes or subjects: The text offers the opportunity for children to learn and expand vocabulary related to the words for each letter. Learn about various topics: science and social studies (animal facts for example), community helpers, nutrition and more.
4. Comprehension and problem solving: Reading the text and the process of selecting the right image helps children focus on the content and main idea of the text as well as to solve a "problem" (the riddle) -- which is the right image?
5. Pre-reading Skills: The process of reading the book and assembling the books with a loving and caring adult is a great opportunity to foster a love for reading, understanding that text is read from left to right and for learning the parts and the process of how a book is made.
Caring for My Mini-Books:
Keep the mini books in an accessible location. Make a special activity to decorate a shoe box or similar transparent plastic container with letter stickers. Avoid using a lid for the box, the lid discourages children from "reading" their books and hides the content. The box should be sized so that children can carry it by themselves to any location they feel like "reading" (kitchen, den, bedroom, etc.). Keep a few mini-books in a box in the car too! Children and older siblings that can assemble additional books for friends as gifts.
Child Care Providers and Preschool Setting: Assemble and color a complete set of mini-books for the reading station/center in your facility. Place them in a decorated box as suggested above where children can visit the books often.
Please report printing problems, typographical, grammar and punctuation errors here. For grammar issues, provide a brief explanation and recommend corrected text. Thank you for your contributions to improve and make the mini books useful to all! Any ideas and recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Have fun with the alphabet!!!