How to Make a Big Book Easel
Big Books are utilized by teachers, especially in the pre-school and early elementary years, to allow the entire class to view the book being read. This foamcore Big Book easel will hold a standard Big Book with measurements of 20 in. by 16 in. Classroom storage space is at a premium, so this easel has been constructed with fold-flat capability in mind.
Things You'll Need
- Two 32 in. by 40 in. foamcore boards any color (1/8 to 1/2 in. thick)
- Utility knife
- Clear packing tape
Instructions
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How to Make a Big Book Easel
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1
From one foamcore board cut:
One 32-inch long by 2-inch wide piece (book prop)
Two 20-inch long by 5-inch wide pieces (legs) -
2
Fold one 32 in. by 40 in. foamcore board exactly in half. Cover folded crease on front and back with a piece of clear packing tape for reinforcement. This will be the easel base.
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3
Cut two slits ½-in. wide by 5-in. long 4 in. from each corner of the folded board easel base.
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4
Cut two slits ½-in. wide by 3-in. long 3 in. from each corner on the top edge of the 20 in. by 5 in. legs.
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5
Cut two slits ½-in. by 1-in. long, 4-in. from each corner of the 32 in. by 2 in. easel book prop.
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6
Cut two slits ½-in. by 1-in. long in the center of the front edge of each 20 in. by 5 in. easel leg.
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7
Slide the top edge leg slits into the slits on the folded easel base.
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8
Slide the easel book prop onto the front center slits of the easel legs.
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9
You should have a folded foamcore board, triangular in shape, with two legs at the bottom, sticking out from the front and back edges, with a narrow base between the front legs to hold the book open.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Clear packing tape can be used to secure all slits if desired for permanent construction. No tape allows the Big Book Easel to be disassembled and folded flat for storage. Make sure the blade of the utility knife is sharp so the foamcore cuts instead of tears. Multiple colors can be used and mixed and matched for a brighter easel appearance.
Always use extreme caution with utility knives.
