How to make a GIFT BAG book

How to make a GIFT BAG BOOK

Making books in the classroom or at home is a great way to get kids excited about reading and writing. Children take joy in being the author! Use this tutorial to make a cute book that you can hang in the hallway at school or on your wall at home using … a gift bag!

Step 1: Gather your supplies.

Gift bag (any size/shape), paper, scissors, stapler

Step 2: Find the front of your bag and cut the right side and bottom completely out of the bag.

Step 3: Fold and cut paper to fit inside the “gift bag book jacket.”

Step 4: Staple the paper to the flap made inside the book by the left side folded into the bag – see the dotted line for where to staple. Lay the paper approximately where the line is, close the bag, and staple through the bag and papers – you will see the staples on the outside. 

Step 5: Make a cover for your book and begin writing!

Step 6: Hang on display.

Classroom applications: Students can… write their own story, write a sequel, write a prequel, re-write the ending to a book, keep a journal as they read, make a dictionary, make a how-to book, write about an experience, etc.

What can I do at home? Make this book with your child and ask them to write or draw pictures from books they have read, have them write about a family trip, have them make up their own story, etc. The ideas are endless!

Happy Reading & Writing!

-Dr. Precise