The presidential election is looming; November 3, 2020. You know that your kids need to learn about US Elections, but tackling a crash course right before the election is daunting. The idea of adding one more thing to your already full schedule is overwhelming. I’m thrilled to offer a solution!
Sonlight has a lap book for US Elections. My daughter and I just completed all 21 included activities and are thrilled with the results! Not sure if a lap book is the right choice for you and your family? Read on!
What is a lap book?
A lap book is a collection of mini-books or sections that are all combined in one larger book often made from file folders. While any topic can be covered, lap books are especially useful for conquering subjects that have the potential to be overwhelming. Lap books are a fantastic option for conquering US Elections in our homeschool.
Why use a lap book?
Lapbooks are great for retention, review, and reference.
Retention
Many kids, mine included, are able to listen better when they have something to do with their hands. While I’m reading aloud about US Elections their hands are busy coloring, cutting, and pasting, freeing up their minds for focusing on my voice.
Review
Every time we learn something new, we review it as we add our new findings to our lapbook. After the lapbook is completed it helps prompt and remind us of what we’ve learned. Lapbooks are also perfect for “show and tell” for siblings, parents, and grandparents. A hallmark of learning is the ability to explain what you’ve learned to someone else. Lapbooks facilitate this narration beautifully!
Reference
As we learn more about a topic, the lapbook provides a fabulous reference! On more than one occasion we have referred back to our book. Since my child created it, she is comfortable with the material and is often quick to find any needed information.
Why use Sonlight’s US Elections Lap Book?
This resource is fantastic for hands on learners!
- Hands are busy, while the included booklet is read aloud.
- Options are provided for those who enjoy personalizing their lap books.
- Information is presented in small, easily digestible parts that conquers a big topic.
Highlights of Our Experience with Sonlight’s US Elections Lapbook
Understanding the election process can become complicated quickly and Sonlight has done a great job of condensing the information to highlight what is most relevant. Space is provided to make the lap book specific to the state in which the child lives. This lap book is filled with fun interactive projects, many of which can be personalized!
Options to Personalize
While almost every project has options for coloring, some activities go even farther. My creative girl’s heart jumped with joy when she realized she was going to get to use her new knowledge to design materials that would be included in her lap books. Here are just a few of these awesome projects:
- Create a presidential campaign including slogan, symbols, and an advertisement.
- Draw your own donkey and elephant to represent prominent political parties.
- Design your own “I Voted Today” sticker.
Note: If your kids are feeling less creative on a certain day, templates are provided too!
Cool, Movable and Interactive Parts
Every project includes movable and interactive parts. Sometimes there are flaps or brads that allow movement. Other times there are slides that create motion. There is always something hands on and exciting to break the monotony of fact gathering and making learning fun.
- Raising Money lets you insert money in a piggy bank.
- National Conventions uses a wheel that actually turns.
- The Electoral Race! has a slide bar that allows the candidate to race to the election.
Vocabinet Review “Game”
The very last project is the creation of a huge “cabinet” containing 22 definitions critical to the understanding of US Elections. I was surprised that this turned out to be a highlight, but my daughter immediately said, “Oh, look a review game!” I guess we truly are homeschoolers at heart. We used the words and definitions as a matching game and glued them into the lap book each time we found a match. I love that Sonlight’s lap book inspired so much fun in learning about US Elections!
Mama Note: The supplies list glitter as an enclosed supply, but don’t worry it’s only for one project and it’s optional.
How to use Sonlight’s US Elections Lap Book?
Sonlight’s US Elections lap book is divided into 21 activities. They can be completed all at once or divided over time. Siblings can work together to create one book although children may prefer having one of their own to complete.
All unique materials including templates, patterns, felt, and methods for attachment are included. Ordinary everyday materials such as scissors and colored pencils are required. There are a few places where a craft knife would be helpful, but is not necessary.
A US Election book is provided that easily slips into the back of the lapbook in a pocket the child creates. The activity directions are clear and paced to take approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete. My daughter and I completed one activity a day after her table subjects and were able to comfortably complete the book in a month.
While, older students could certainly complete the lapbook on their own. Our family found that working together was preferable with me reading while my daughter completed the hands on activities. We assembled each portion of the lapbook together and that served as a time for review.
Head to Sonlight’s Election Headquarters
If you know you want Sonlight’s US Election Lap Book (and I don’t blame you) go ahead and grab it here.
If you want to learn more about what Sonlight has to offer for the upcoming election I highly recommend checking out Sonlight’s Election Headquarters where you can find tons of helpful resources and download A GUIDE TO ELECTIONS: FREE UNIT STUDY!
Wishing you joy, peace, and most of all faith in your homeschool!
