Review
Lapbooking has become an increasingly popular way to showcase various sorts of child-made projects (such as mini-booklets and notebook pages) that highlight key points from the lessons studied. Lapbooks are then assembled into a folder or plain book, which pulls it all together so the student can refer to it as often as needed.
One of the more difficult challenges has been the use of the file folder to create the lapbook base. Due to the very nature of file folders, there is a fold-line running down the center of the main panel. This issue can be solved by gluing cardstock to it, making it sturdier. However, the added cardstock causes the thickness to increase, which can contribute to the cover not closing properly once all the material is inside. Moreover, there is always the risk that the cardstock won’t stay tacked down. In addition, the book naturally opens from the center, meaning the cover design must always be sliced down the middle to work, which is not always ideal. The use of the file folder as a base is sufficient, but it is simply not the best solution for this type of project.
The new line of lapbooking supplies from Pear Educational Products is specifically designed to eliminate the common issues file folders naturally perpetuate. Pear Educational Products produce a professional-looking result in which the student’s hard work can be properly displayed. Made from pre-folded, acid-free, white cardstock, the Fold Up Base (3 panels) and the Fold Up Extended Base (3 panels with an additional fold out page) are double scored. The double scoring accommodates thick booklets, so the cover lays flat–not raised open. When the project requires more space to display all of the goodies, the Fold Up Extended Bases provide an extra page without the necessity of using tape to adhere it to the main lapbook, which usually doesn’t hold out very well over time.
Eventually, though, the difficulty remains in how to properly store the lapbooks and prevent them from becoming damaged or ruined. The Project Base Adhesive Strips (1 ½” w X 11” L, with Mylar-backed holes) solve this issue because they easily adhere to the Fold Up Bases (simply peel the backing off and tack down), so the lapbook can be kept in a 3-Ring binder. Plus, the adhesive strip is applied to the back side so the cover is not hidden, like it will be when using duct tape. The Project Base Adhesive Strips can also be used on lapbooks made from file folders and on other student crafts.
The Pear Educational Project Fold Up Bases and Adhesive Strips have revolutionized the way we lapbook by eradicating the nuisances of the file folder base, as well as providing the ability to properly store our creations so we can enjoy them over and over again. Best yet, the bases are blank canvases for my students to decorate anyway they choose, making these treasures beautiful family keepsakes.
About the Reviewer
From the author’s site: Ten years ago, Heidi and her husband Steve landed on the unexpected path of homeschooling their two children, now ages 12 and 14. After many blessings and challenges, too, they can’t imagine a better decision for their family. In addition to homeschooling and overseeing Pear Educational Products, Heidi keeps busy acting as a co-founder and leader of a local homeschooling support group. In her free time, she enjoys reading, blogging, and attempting to knit. You can read more about her homeschooling journey at her personal blog, 
From the publisher’s site: Pear Educational Products is the result of combining our third-generation family-owned bindery business with our desire to serve the homeschooling and education community. It is a merger of what we know – paper products and designs – with what we love and is close to our heart.
