Back to activities
Making and imaginingTalking togetherThinking play

Folded Paper Book

Fold a sheet of paper in half twice to make a small four-page book. Child draws a story across the pages - any marks count as pages in the story.

Cartoon illustration of a parent and child at home: fold a sheet of paper in half twice to make a small four-page book.
  • Age2 to 7 years
  • Time5 to 15 minutes
  • EnergyCalm
  • CostFree
  • WhereIndoors
  • PrepNone

Fold a single sheet of paper twice to create a small four-page book, then let your child fill the pages with drawings, marks, and stories: even scribbles count as pages when the child says what's happening.

How to do it

  1. Take a sheet of A4 or letter-sised paper. Fold it in half lengthwise, crease firmly, then fold in half again the other way to make a small four-panel booklet.
  2. Unfold and hold the paper landscape, then cut or fold the center section to create the book format. (Alternatively: just fold in half once to make a two-page spread: easier for younger children.)
  3. Give the book to your child with crayons or markers.
  4. Let them fill the pages however they choose. If they want a story, ask "what happens on the first page?"
  5. When done, you can read it back to them page by page, letting them narrate what each drawing shows.

What you need

  • Paper
  • Crayons

Signs it is working

Your child fills at least two pages with marks or drawings. They describe what is happening on each page when you read it back. They want to "read" the finished book to someone

If it is not quite clicking

Folding is confusing: Just fold the paper in half once to make a two-page spread: this is enough for younger children. Your child wants you to write words: Write what they dictate on each page after they've drawn: let them author, you scribe. The book fills up too fast: Unfold and tape another sheet inside. Your child insists "I can't draw": Accept any marks and ask them to tell you what the marks mean: the narrative is what matters

Make it yours

Younger (2-3y): One fold, two large panels. Parent writes a sentence on each page as child dictates; child draws. The verbal story is the activity; the drawing is optional. Older (5-7y): Make a longer book by folding more sheets; try planning a beginning, middle, and end before drawing. They may want to add a title on the cover. Siblings: Each child makes their own book; then "read" to each other

Try this with your child.

Tell PLAI™ about your child and this moment. It shapes the activity to fit.

Try it in the app