Practice sequencing as they assemble the book page by page.
Engage in creativity by designing each page with pictures or writing.
Materials (Per Child)
2 index cards, cut into squares (unlined; plain or colored)
1 piece of curling ribbon, about 12″ long
1 strip of adding machine tape, approximately the length of a yardstick
Glue
Optional: crayons, markers, stickers, stamps
Tip: Cut the index card squares slightly wider than the tape so they look like book covers.
Preparation
Pre-cut ribbon and index card covers.
Pre-tear adding machine tape strips.
Demonstrate accordion folding for students who need visual guidance.
✂️ Step-by-Step Directions
1. Attach the Ribbon to the First Cover
Lay the curling ribbon flat on the table.
Glue one index card square on top of the ribbon, centered so the ribbon crosses the middle.
This becomes the front cover.
2. Attach the Adding Machine Tape
Glue one end of the adding machine tape to the underside of the front cover.
Press firmly to secure.
3. Accordion Fold the Tape
Fold the tape back and forth like a zig-zag, creating equal-sized pages.
You will end up with a long stack of folded pages, like a mini accordion.
4. Add the Back Cover
Glue the second index card square to the back end of the folded tape.
Press firmly so the pages are sandwiched neatly between the covers.
5. Tie the Book Closed
Wrap the curling ribbon around the book and tie a bow on the front cover.
This keeps the accordion book neatly closed and makes it look like a “real” book.
Congratulations—your class just made personal accordion books!
✨ Optional Creative Touches
Add stickers to the cover
Write the child’s name and title (“My Word Family Book,” “My ABC Book,” etc.)
Use stamps, markers, or crayons
Suggested Uses for the Accordion Book
1. Word Family Books
One page per word
Example: -at family → cat, hat, bat, sat, mat
2. Alphabet Books
One letter per page
Students draw something that begins with that letter
Adjust tape length so you have room for all 26 letters
