About This Video

In this craft activity, Kate and Nicole show participants how to make pop-up books.

The video begins by introducing the basic idea of a pop-up book: when the paper is closed, it looks like a book or card, and when it opens, part of the paper pops up. Kate and Nicole show two different ways to make that happen.

Participants learn a beginner-friendly technique using folded paper and simple cuts. Nicole demonstrates how to fold paper hamburger style, cut two small lines, open the paper, push the cut section forward, and use that pop-up tab as a place to glue or tape a shape, word bubble, message, or design.

Kate then demonstrates another pop-up structure using a separate folded paper piece attached inside the book. This creates a support that folds flat when the book is closed and pops up when the book opens. The video also shows how pop-up books can become cards, spring scenes, flower meadows, holiday messages, room decorations, or thoughtful gifts.

Throughout the video, participants are encouraged to experiment with color, shape, message, story, paper, fabric, and different ways to make something pop up. This video gives participants a hands-on craft activity focused on folding, cutting, paper engineering, storytelling, creative choice, and making something to share.

Supplies Needed

• Paper or cardstock

• Construction paper or colored paper

• Scissors

• Glue, glue stick, or tape

• Markers, pencils, or other drawing materials

• Optional: fabric, collage materials, or extra paper for decorations

Good For

• Adults with IDD who enjoy crafts, paper projects, cards, books, storytelling, color, cutting, folding, or making something by hand.

• Caregivers looking for a creative activity with simple materials, flexible difficulty levels, and room for personal messages and choice.

• Adult day programs, home routines, or group activities about crafts, folding, cutting, pop-up books, storytelling, paper construction, creative expression, and gift-making.

• Participants who benefit from visual modeling, step-by-step support, repeated demonstrations, color choices, message ideas, and permission to experiment.

How to Use This Video

Use this video as a guided craft activity for a home routine, day program, small group, or creative session.

Caregivers can help participants gather paper, scissors, glue, tape, and drawing materials. Participants can start with the simpler folded-paper tab technique or try the added pop-up structure if they are ready for more challenge.

This video can be paused often while participants fold paper, make cuts, push the tab forward, glue or tape shapes, add a cover, decorate the front, and test whether the pop-up folds flat and opens correctly.

Participants can make a pop-up book, card, spring scene, flower meadow, holiday message, “thinking of you” card, or room decoration. They can use drawings, cut paper, words, fabric, collage materials, or simple shapes.

Because this activity involves scissors, folded paper, glue, tape, small tabs, and step-by-step construction, caregivers should provide support with setup, scissor safety, folding, cutting, taping, gluing, pacing, cleanup, and any needed visual or hands-on assistance.

At the end, participants can open and close their pop-up book, show it to someone else, name the message or story they created, or try another version with different colors and shapes.