Making an Accordion-Type Book

Students can made an accordion book easily form materials in most classrooms. Start with 12 x 18 paper. This can be manila paper, or light colored construction paper. Cut in half the long way and glue two ends together to make a 6 x 36 inch strip. Fold in half, and then fold each end to the center, as shown. This creates four equal pages.

#1

#2

Next fold the ends out to meet the outside fold, as shown. Make the two remaining folds to make an accordion of eight equal-sized pages. Each page should be about 4.5 x 6 inches. Cut two pieces of lightweight cardboard a little larger than the pages, about 5.5 x 7 inches. Glue the accordion pages onto the cardboard covers, centering them in the middle of the cardboard.

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The cover cardboard can be decorated by hand or with decorative papers. Ribbon or yarn can be used to tie the book shut. Open it to use the book.