Wednesday, August 28, 2013

First Day with Interactive Notebooks

It's the 28th of the month, time for 4mula Fun's Interactive Notebook Linky. 
inb linky

This is my second full year to use INBs in middle school. 

I am trying binders! 

Yesterday, we started putting it together. 

First issue is storage. I have three designated areas for the binders by class. This will be a learning experience as the year goes along.


I decided during the summer I wanted them to keep supplies in their binders, but couldn't ask for another supply from their parents. 
So, I made these baggies. I used color duct tape and packing tape to just make it sturdier. The best thing about middle school is they can punch their own holes. 

We signed our guidelines paper, set up our table of contents, and some informational pages. It was a little crazy for a while, but no too bad. 

I have to say, I LOVE the binder so far. We haven't had to glue anything down yet. There was no mess! It's too early in the school year for a mess. 

I taught them how I like things numbered and why. We talked left side/right side. I try to stick to this, but I don't always succeed and I don't get caught up in it. (Life is too short) 




They learned a lot about listening and following directions. 

They also learned that I will tell them and SHOW them everything they need to know if they will let me! Each class was different and the process tells me a lot about my students. Its like a mini assessment. I could figure out the OCD ones right away; the messy ones, the rule breakers and rule followers immediately. I have lots of artsy girls too. They love the markers and colored pencils. 

We will make our first foldable later this week. I am thrilled. It involves glue. Wish me luck! 





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6 comments:

  1. I'm interested to see how you like the binder as the year progresses. I think it's definitely easier because I can include ALL related handouts, but my students have never been good at maintaining binders. Holes always rip through and papers never seem to make it to the right place.

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  2. I use a binder for reading with different tabs. They write letters to me about their reading, keep track of the books read to them, they want to read, resources, notes, etc. I'm not sure I'd call it interactive, but I definitely like a binder! Have you tried the the ziplock bags before? I'm curious to see if they hold up-I love the idea!
    Joanne
    Head Over Heels For Teaching

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  3. Hi Elizabeth:
    I am so excited that you are doing this! I want to try this in my class this year, and I like that you are one week ahead, trying out new things! Looks great--I love that you have procedures to help make everything fall into place...

    Kim
    Finding JOY in 6th Grade

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  4. We made our first foldable today...and what a difference 8th grade is from 6th! Good luck!

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  5. Binders! Genius! Absolutely Genius! I've never seen anything like this before! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. I've had my kiddos keep spirals but I think I may just switch to a binder next year. With all the great ideas and materials that have been shared I know the journals will be bustin' full!!!
    Thanks all!!!

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