If you've ever met Niki at one of the Homeschool Conventions we attend you're sure to hear her say "diamonds are over rated, options are a homeschool moms best friend" While we believe that, we also know at first glance it can be overwhelming.

Table of Contents

Each unit starts with a Table of Contents and is followed by a Research Guide.

The Research Guide contains all of the lessons needed to complete the activities laid out in a chapter-like format. (This means no trips to the library or getting online for "missing" information) This format helps to build students' listening, reading, and comprehension skills.

Included in the Research Guide is a Bibliography, which also makes a great resource for finding information for any rabbit trails you may choose to follow during your study.

Related books and websites are included in the Research Guide. This list makes a great starting point for further study or as a way to bring the grade level up for older students and require some additional reading and research on their own.

Core Concepts

Next, you will find a list of core concepts to be covered during the study, each of the concepts is represented by a graphic organizer or template.

Each graphic organizer or template helps students take bite-sized pieces of information learned in the Research Guide and complete a hands-on activity to help retain that information.

If you implement graded assignments in your curriculum the list of concepts will be essential for you, the parent/teacher, to know what to test the student on.

Under each concept you will find the folding instructions for each of the graphic organizers or templates. Each one has a corresponding activity number to make following along easy. These instructions are written at the child's level so be assured you won't be frustrated as you help them try to fold their graphics.

Reproducible graphics for the graphic organizers and templates follow. You may want to make a copy of each graphic for each student completing the unit. An instruction sheet for folding file folders and photos of sample lapbooks are included in the back section of each Project Pack. If you and your students are visual learners you will find the folder instructions and sample photos quite helpful.

Stand-Alone or Supplement

Project Packs from In the Hands of a Child make great stand-alone unit studies or can easily be added as a supplement to an existing curriculum. When using as a stand-alone product we recommend completing 2 - 3 activities per session (30 - 45 minutes).

Start out by reading through 2 - 3 sections of the Research Guide and then complete the corresponding hands-on activities.

The hands-on activities correlate to each section in the Research Guide, following the same outline as the core concept page.

Vocabulary Words and Timelines

Vocabulary and Timeline activities do not have to be completed in one day. Vocabulary words can be learned throughout the entire study.

We recommend that your student learn a few new vocabulary words each day or learn them as they are written in the Research Guide (all words in bold are vocabulary words).

We also recommend Timeline activities be completed a little each day. Choose the vocabulary words and time periods you are going to add to your vocabulary books and timelines as you read them in the Research Guide.

If you are working with young children or a group of children, cut out all of the graphics a day or two before beginning the lapbook and store them in a zip-top bag. It is also helpful to have all materials organized before beginning. All of our early childhood Project Packs include a full supplies list on one of the very first pages!

Lapbook Layouts

Your student's completed Project Pack does not have to look like the photo featured at the end of the Pack. The photo is simply a reference to help you understand the folds and the process of putting the file folder together.

If you run out of room or things do not fit, add another file folder or an extension!

Allow children to take an active role in designing the layout of their project so that it becomes personal for them. The personalizing of their projects aids in the reinforcement of the study.

Your students may choose to attach the various activities to their folders as each one is completed or they may choose to wait until all activities are completed and then attach them to the file folder.

If you choose to do the latter, simply store the activities in a zip-top bag, expandable file, or folder until you are ready to assemble them in a file folder.

Should you have any questions as you go about your study please do not hesitate to contact us, we are here to help you bring laughter and learning together in the Hands of Your Child!!