How to Make a Trifold Minibook

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 3 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #5,134 in How-To, #51,650 overall

A trifold is one of the simplest and most versatile minibook out there.

It's called a trifold because it's folded in thirds just like you fold a letter to put into an envelope.

This lapbook option can be large or small. With lots of empty space inside, trifolds are a good option for most any topic of study.

Directions 

Take any rectangular shaped sheet of paper, and fold it evenly into thirds. This book works well with any thickness of paper from copy paper to cardstock.



Here is the book closed.



The simple trifold can get fancy with a few alterations. For example, here I trim the closed book, adding a head shape at top.



Add in some simple drawings and you have a great trifold appropriate for a biographical minibook.



The book has lots of space for adding content.




Trifold Examples at Flickr 

Tour these photo examples for more inspiration for trifolds. There's even a volcano shaped trifold here!

Federal Lands booklet by Szatkowski Family

Music periods trifolds by jimmiehomeschoolmom

Romantic period minibook by jimmiehomeschoolmom

Classical Period inside by jimmiehomeschoolmom

trifold sailboat, wheel by jimmiehomeschoolmom

trifold open by jimmiehomeschoolmom

trifold volcano1 by jimmiehomeschoolmom

trifold volcano3 by jimmiehomeschoolmom

trifold volcano2 by jimmiehomeschoolmom

giant lily pad trifold by jimmiehomeschoolmom

manatee trifold cover by jimmiehomeschoolmom

Bookmaking Resource 

Easy Bookmaking (Grades K-3)

Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)Buy Now

Trifold Variations

cut your trifold to resemble some special shape, thus creating a shaped trifold

change the orientation -- open horizontally or vertically

use colored or patterned paper

cut small or large; use different shapes of paper

Minibook Poll 

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Organize your Lapbook Supplies 

Craft Organizer Paper Holder Trolley - Silver

Amazon Price: $32.69 (as of 07/11/2009)Buy Now

Wouldn't this be handy? Load it up with all your papers, some markers, the stapler, glue, stickers, and more. Then just roll it away when school is done!

Other Minibook Helps 

Love This Lens? 

You can rate this lens here.


(Squidoo members only, but it's easy to sign up if you aren't already a member.)

Add this to your lens »

Guestbook 



If you encountered any problem in creating the trifold minibook,
please let me know so that I can clarify that point for others.
And if you have any tips or pointers, feel free to add those as well.

Lensmaster

apple wrote

good. i like it

Reply Posted May 26, 2009

nekoneko wrote...

thanks for your comment in my cat lens..and add me to the groups

ReplyPosted April 07, 2009

groovyoldlady wrote...

Perfect. I love the clear directions and all the examples of finished books. There's so much creative potential here!

ReplyPosted October 27, 2008

by Jimmie

Hello! I am a homeschooling mom who loves to teach and learn.

I enjoy cooking from scratch, photography, and traveling. For more about me and my lense...

(more)

Favorited By

Create a Lens!