Making mini-books for beginning readers, with no tape, glue, or staples.

When Johnny could read only words of three letters, plus a few sight words, I made a half-dozen of these mini-books out of a single sheet of paper without using any glue, tape, or staples.

Fold the paper into eighths, starting with one lengthwise fold, then making three crosswise folds.

Johnny made one of his own. It's another story about his Dad, Owen. This time Owen heroically moves boulders that had rolled into our yard. Johnny suggested that Owen read it whenever he feels depressed about himself.

Here's a little bit of Johnny's book: 

Fancy paper valentines.

This was my year to make fancy valentines using construction paper, scissors, and a glue stick.

I like to make several folds in the paper and cut out lots of tiny shapes.

Step 1. Construction paper and sharp scissors.

Step 2. Small shapes cut along the center fold.

Step 3. A second fold and more cut-outs.

Step 3. A third fold and a few more cut-outs.

Here you can see the results of cutting along three distinct folds.

                                                       

Step 4. I wanted more empty space, so I made yet another fold . . .

and cut out more shapes.

Step 5. One final fold . . .

a few more cut-outs . . .

and here is the unfolded heart.

Step 6. I glued it onto white paper. Be sure to use a high quality glue stick.

Steps 7&8. I added a tiny red paper heart and cut the whole thing out.