Now that the class expectations are established, the cover is personalized, and the ISN is "set-up," it's time for the first few lessons. These few lessons need to be personalized to fit your class, school, expectations, etc.
The first lesson I like to do is review those initial student and group work expectations that we set on Days 1 and 2. We will first label our Table of Contents (TOC) for Pages 1-2 as Student Expectations. Then after that is labeled, we will go after out TOC and start numbering the pages as we go. (I don't number all of the pages at once, as it would be too easy to miss-label.) For the header, I will also label the topic that goes with each pair of pages. (PICTURES TO FOLLOW.) We will also add pages 3-4 and "Group Work Expectations" to the TOC and the pages 3-4 in the notebook. To review student expectations, I will give students a copy of the poster that was created from the Day 1 activities. They will glue this on the right side and then they are going to reflect on the left side. Reflection: 1. What are your TOP 5 Expectations, in order of preference, from our group discussion? 2. Which rule/expectations is going to be the easiest for you to follow? Why? 3. Which rule/expectation is going to be the hardest for you to follow? Please list at least two activities/solutions that could help you follow this expectation. Now, "Group Work Expectations" review is a little more interactive. Before beginning the activity, we review the "Group Work Expectations" that we came up with together and glue a copy onto page 4 (right side) of the ISN .Students are then placed into groups and need to complete a group task. It's a lot of fun and my students have loved this activity in the past. I is not my original idea, but was found on Pinterest. Here is a link to the blog where I found the activity: Group Work Cup Stacking Basically, solo cups are arranged in various pre-determined formations and students have to work together to move the cups to a second arrangement. They are given a tool made of a rubber band and 4 strings. They are not allowed to touch the cups with anything other than the "tool". There are groups who tend to excel with this and others that do not. As groups finish a task, I will give them a more complicated task, such as using more cups, stacking higher, or without talking. When the activity is complete, students will work in their groups and record 5 positives from the activity and 5 things that need work with solutions. These need to be genuine positives and changes and solutions must be attainable. They must also not place blame on a single student, as this is group work. I will circulate and check up on each group as they work. This will all be recorded on page 3.
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We have decorated our covers, now let's dig into the meat of an ISN. Before using the ISN with your students, you first need to decide how to set it up? Here is my plan:
Since these notebooks will be used year-long, students will need a method for looking up information. The Table of Contents will provide page numbers and the content that is found on those pages.
Students will number pages in their notebook as they complete pages. These pages will also be added to the Table of Contents at the beginning of the lesson.
Before beginning a new unit, students will add a V.I.T. page. This page will include a pocket for holding index cards. Index cards will be used for learning vocabulary words. I am a big fan of old-fashioned flash cards over a list or glossary for several reasons. 1. Its an easy way to practice with someone unfamiliar with the lesson or words. 2. When students combine 2 or more flash card sets, an array of games can be played for practicing the words. 3. Varying levels of difficulty: Easier words can be practiced by reading the word and giving the definition, whereas more difficult words can be done in the opposite manner. 4. By counting your cards, its quick to tell if you are missing any cards. (PS. I always include a paperclip with the pocket for an extra way to keep the cards from falling out.
I am choosing to layout my pages with the left-side as student practice and the right-side for teaching materials, foldables, and other notes. I can really be done either way, but this is my preference and what I have seen in other interactive notebooks. **This is the Table of COntents (TOC) Master That hangs at the front of the classroom |
Kristy S.I earned my teaching degree in 2007 and was hired immediately. I help students become involved in their learning through many types of interactions. I began using foldables and lap booking 2 years ago and am transitioning to interactive notebooking this year. ArchivesCategories |