Who's ready to set-up the inside of their notebook? Yesterday, I showed how I set-up the outside of the notebook. You don't have to be this elaborate. I have seen some teachers just write the student's name on the front with permanent marker. Where is the fun in that? You have to get the kids excited about it! Here are some more examples of outside covers:
The first thing that I have students do after we get the front cover decorated is to start numbering the pages. They will number all the pages in the journal. I tell my students to put the page numbers in the square at the top left and right of the page. (Note: I have my students start with the very first page. However, some teachers like to start where page 1 is on the backside of the page. This way students are designated as the left side or the even pages of their notebook is TEACHER side. The right side or the odd pages is the STUDENT side.) I have done it both ways. It is easier for me to just have them start with the first first corner they see when they open up the notebook. Numbering the notebook will take a little time. I usually give my students about 20 minutes to complete this. I like to play music while they are numbering the pages. Students always ask if they can use a marker to number their pages. I tell them to do it in pencil first and then they can go back and color the numbers later. Pages are always skipped and they cannot erase marker. Pencil first, marker later!
After numbering all of the pages, I have my students glue in somethings that will be helpful to them for the year. First, we glue in 4 rubrics. One for each o f the nine weeks. I got my rubric for this notebook from teachernotebook.com. Here is the link: http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/frogsandcupcakes/science-notebook-journal-rubric. I only do one notebook check every nine weeks, but I know some teachers who do weekly checks. Both ways are fine. I just know sometimes during the year I am completely covered in paperwork. Once every nine weeks is all I can handle! Sometimes, I do spot checks just to keep students accountable and they usually happen on Fridays. For example, I might just check vocabulary for that week or table of contents. I usually give the students a stamp or sticker (they love stamps and stickers!). After they collect so many stamps or stickers, I have a small rewards box that they may get a prize. Funny how students go crazy over little things such as scented erasers. I do not spend any money on replenishing my treasure box. I ask parents for donations or old small happy meal toys. It is a win win situation for both of us! They rid the clutter and I keep a well stocked treasure chest.
NOTE ON GLUING: YOU WILL HAVE TO TEACH YOUR STUDENTS HOW TO USE LIQUID GLUE! I found this cool saying from teachingblogaddict.com. I plan to make this a poster and hang it in the front of my classroom.
Next, we will glue in a mailing envelope to the inside back cover. This will help students keep up with all of the loose items we make throughout the year. I got a pack of ten from the dollar tree! Students will glue the envelope on the back inside cover of their journal with the flap side facing them.
After gluing the envelope on the back cover, I have students glue in a page marker ribbon. I help with this stage because it requires a glue gun. I did use duct take one year which works great too. You can find ribbon on clearance at Wal-mart all the time. I usually stock up and allow students to pick their ribbon. Try to find crazy patterns or bright colors because they absolutely love it! I have them pre-cut to 22 inches. This makes it easier and faster to manage for students and me! Plus, there is no wasted ribbon. I just call them back to my desk and we glue that ribbon right in. The book mark is a great idea because students can flip right to where they need to be in their journal. Did I also mention it looks pretty cool too? Here is what the finished products will look like:
My class periods are 90 minutes long. Everything I shared with you today will take almost the whole class period. Don't worry and hang in there! Tomorrow we will finish setting up the inside of the journal. See you Tomorrow!
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