Interactive Notebooks are such a great way to teach new concepts and review old material in a more engaging way. I prefer interactive notebooks to the traditional notebook. In my experience, kids lose notes and are not being taught the organization skills they desperately need using that method. It ends up not being a tool they can use to go back too. I've had such a success with this strategy that I just had to share with you a little bit about what my 7th & 8th graders have done with our interactive notebook & journals so far this year.
Half of our notebook is interactive & the other half is a journal/reflection writing. We have only done 7-10 "interactive notes" this year. I only pick concepts that are brand new or ones that I really want to emphasize. I feel as though this strategy should be used sparingly to reinforce tough concepts. Plus! The kids get more into it when it's not a daily task. 😉
The examples above are a few foldables we did this week in 8th grade. We learned about 5 different ways authors can use to organize informational text. Students knew what these terms meant - but didn't understand WHY it was important. Interactive notebooks can provide an opportunity to learn great organizational skills and how to synthesize information if they are implemented efficiently. (Fun Fact: I had the pleasure of watching a kindergarten classroom this week... They even we're doing cause & effect structure!)
Journals are an amazing way to track & see growth over time with my student's writing. I can see entries from the beginning of the year and assess how much each of my students have improved! It also reaches multiple learning styles and it's an easier way to provide differentiation. I can't think of any negatives... Seriously! ;) Below are a few journals from 7th grade shortly before winter break.
I never had to "fight" with my students when we whip out the journals! However, I do try and pick topics that are fun & that they can relate too. 7th grade really enjoyed "Make survival guide on how to Survive a Boring Class"! ;) I hope to post more about what we are up too soon! :)
Until Next Time,
Ritchie
**Be on the look out for some great project posts such as "My Teacher's Secret Life", & "Alter Ego" in a few weeks!**
Until Next Time,
Ritchie
**Be on the look out for some great project posts such as "My Teacher's Secret Life", & "Alter Ego" in a few weeks!**