Turtle Lapbook

I love walking through the forest and hearing a turtle crawling along or watching a line of turtles sunbathing at the pond. Chances are, you have turtles you can observe where you live, and this Freshwater Turtle Lapbook will help your student learn lots of amazing things about freshwater turtles.

Thanks to Candace Crabtree for writing the research lessons for this animal lapbook.

Freshwater Turtle Lapbook Information

Here are some sample lessons from this animal lapbook:

What Is a Turtle? (mammal, reptile, bird, fish, or amphibian)
Turtles are reptiles. Some characteristics they have in common with other reptiles include–they have scales on their shells, they can breathe air, they have claws on their toes, and they lay eggs. They are also ectothermic; they cannot regulate their own body temperatures from within; they are cold-blooded. They warm themselves by moving to a sunlit spot. They cool themselves by finding shade or getting into water.  

Anatomy: Turtle Toes
Freshwater turtles have separate toes and claws, often with webbing between them which helps them swim.  Webbing (also known as webbed feet) is when a foot has skin between the toes.  The claws on freshwater turtles can be used for climbing on riverbanks and logs for sunbathing.  Most turtles have five claws on each foot. 

Turtle Senses
Turtles do not have ears on the outside of their heads like we do; this would slow them down while underwater. Instead, they have an inner eardrum which picks up sounds and vibrations from the ground and water.

Turtles have excellent eye sight; they can detect even the slightest movement in distant objects. Often they will see you before you see them. Turtles have a great sense of smell, too.

You can grab a copy of the entire Freshwater Turtle Lapbook in an easy-to-print file at the end of this post.

Freshwater Turtle Lapbook Printables

The following mini-books and printables are included in this Freshwater Turtle Lapbook:

• Turtle Vocabulary Shapes
• Turtle Classification Flap Book
• My Pet Turtle Story Pocket
• Story Writing Stationary
• Turtle Observation Fan
• Why Do Turtles Have Shells? Tri-fold
• Turtle Relatives Twice Folded Book
• Turtle Toes Flap Book
• Turtle Matchbooks
• True of False Mini-books
• Turtle Report Shape Book
• Turtle Diagram

Freshwater Turtle Lapbook Sample

This Turtle Lapbook sample uses just one file folder.

How to Get Started with Your Freshwater Turtle Lapbook

Follow these simple instructions to get started with the Freshwater Turtle Lapbook.

1. If you want, go to your local library and check out books about turtles.
2. Print the Freshwater Turtle Lapbook.
3. Choose and prepare the mini-books you want to use with your student.
4. Enjoy a week of reading and learning all about turtles.

Download Your Freshwater Turtle Lapbook

Simply click on the image below to access your free Freshwater Turtle Lapbook.

More Turtle Resources

Your turtle-loving student will love learning even more about turtles. Check out some of these resources: