Making books – Playgroup

Book making is a great playgroup activity, providing fun opportunities for language and fine motor development.

Did you know?

Children are more likely to engage with a book they have made themselves. Making books together helps develop an appreciation of books. Feeling proud of their own creation motivates children to engage with books more often.

Language and other development

After a special event children can make a book together to share and retell their experiences. Help the children to choose pictures and stick them in order. Ask the children to retell what happened and write down what they say in their words under the picture. Don’t forget the book title and authors names!

Variations

Stapling together some A4 sheets of paper make good size books for toddlers to stick pictures or draw in. This could be a regular activity to do with a different focus for the book each time e.g. Books about food, animals, colours, shapes, numbers.

Children can make “hotdog” books from A3 sheets of paper.

If you have access to a colour photocopier (local libraries usually have public access to these) these books can be copied. Children can place one copy in the playgroup library and take their original book home to share.

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. See how making books can be a fun activity for babies, toddlers and children.

Activities listed under “playgroup” are suitable for groups of children of various ages. They provide opportunities for early learning and social play.

Play ideas

Family album