Using Flip Books in the Classroom

In the language arts classroom, successful teaching methods involve incorporating purpose-driven, meaningful vocabulary instruction. In my first few years of teaching, I searched for meaningful ways to help students understand new vocabulary.

From understanding root words and affixes, to using context clues to solve unknown words in text, I looked for something that would engage students and be a useful tool for future learning. One of the strategies I felt yielded positive results was using vocabulary flip charts. The books became the solution to quite a few dilemmas:

• Students can complete the books independently
• They are easy for students to transport
• They are appealing and helpful during study and writing workshop times

Vocabulary Flip Books

I introduce the flip books at the beginning of the school year as a part of our weekly vocabulary assignment. I use this time to instruct students on how to construct and use their flip books. The construction of the flip book consists of a 8 x 11 piece of paper folded length-wise. Students use a ruler to draw lines horizontally on one half of the folded paper. Students then use scissors to cut each line drawn. The result is a flap that students can open to reveal a definition—a miniature flap book of sorts. On the front of each flap, students write a vocabulary word, and inside the book they write the definition.

Since students complete their books at the beginning of a vocabulary lesson or book unit, they are able to use them as a study tool. Students are not only required to include a definition in their flip books, they also have to identify the different parts of speech: synonyms, antonyms, and homophones. I also have students complete flip books focusing on parts of speech and figurative language.

The flip book also serves as a way for students to organize their class notes into a manageable study format. I often assign review activities that require students to use flip books in order to practice study skills.

Flip Books and Novel Studies

I have also had my students use flip books to review information during a novel unit. For example, students complete flip books on literary elements and for character analysis. I provide students with short story examples and a plot diagram. Students then read a story, identify each element, and fill out the plot diagram. I’ve had students complete this activity at the beginning of our fiction unit as an introduction. In addition, I have students use flip books to identify test question formats and verb usage. This helps students practice breaking down a variety of assessment-based questions that they may encounter throughout the school year and on the state-wide assessment.

However you choose to utilize vocabulary flip books in the classroom, it can help students focus on the language of the concept being taught. It also serves as a study tool and practice activity that is easy for students to create and utilize during and after class.

More Vocabulary Instruction Ideas:

Vocabulary Game

This lesson is a creative way for students to use and practice new vocabulary words. The format of the game can accommodate all content areas.

Introducing Chemistry Vocabulary

Students learn chemistry vocabulary by making a card for each word that includes an example, sentences, and a picture or graphic. This activity could be adapted to any content area.

Vocabulary Self-Collection Strategy

In this geometry lesson, students search and collect math terms. This collection and review activity helps students comprehend many terms. 

Vocabulary Lesson

Students discover and apply synonyms to improve writing. This lesson is another way for students to explore and discover new vocabulary words.