Student Friendly Reader's Notebook

Last year my district purchased a new reading series, Wonders by McGraw Hill, and it was definitely an adjustment year!  We are very fortunate though that we can use this as a resource to best fit our students' needs.  My principal is extremely supportive when it comes to curriculum.  I have used different types of reading notebooks for students in the past, but after planning with my team for next year I have some different ideas on how I want to organize a Reader's Notebook that will work best for my students and myself.

I am not good at keeping up with interactive notebooks.  Each time I try to use these, it just does not work very well for me personally.  I like and use some elements of these from time to time, but I know that it is not a good fit for my classroom.  Everyone is different!

I decided to really think about what I want my students to be doing and how it would best benefit them to have their materials organized.  I decided that there are three main things I want to organize for my students and myself!

The Reader's Notebook I plan to use has three tabs.  It is just a regular spiral notebook divided into three sections.  I use a Daily Five model for my reading group instruction.  I want to have a place where my students can use think marks, stop and jot, and write down any vocabulary words they are struggling with when they read independently.  In the past they have used post its, but it is much easier to have all this in one place!  I decided to make one section of the reading notebook that is just "Read to Self."  There is also a spot underneath the tab in this section for a student to write their personal reading goal on a post it.  This way it can be changed out frequently.  I plan to use Daily CAFE reading goals.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Readers-Notebook-4642264

The second tab is titled "Read with the Teacher."  I have worksheets and practice to go with the reading series that I use, but sometimes the students in my group need paper or post its to stop and job, use think marks, etc.. All of these notes now will be in one spot. This section of the notebook will also have space for the students to record the reading skill and strategy for the unit.

 

The third tab is titled "Grammar Practice."  My team uses the Shurley Method, and this involves learning the parts of speech through songs and repetitive practice of call and response diagramming sentences.  I am SO TIRED of finding their Shurley papers everywhere, so I plan on putting everything they need in this section of the notebook for easy reference.  My students can also write quick practices on these pages and have the ability to go back and review as needed.
 

I also plan to put some think marks in the notebook.  We use Miss West Best's close reading think marks.

Finally in the back cover, I have a place where students can keep track of the books they have read for the year and their genre.  This will help me when it comes to one on one conferences, and it will help the students keep track and be proud of what they have read.

 

You can find my easy to use Reader's Notebook here! 

Student Goal Setting

Last year I started my school year at the end of September because I was on maternity leave.  The previous year I had a binder system for each student to keep track of goals and learning levels, and this past school year I really missed it!  I did not have my amazing maternity leave sub implement this since she was starting off my school year.  I saved the binders, and I plan on using them again this next school year!

 Each student has a simple white binder.  (Click to shop) I put their names on the binding, but I also let them pick a sticker to put on the binding so that their binder is easily identifiable.
 
I then put a tab in for each subject area that has learning levels.  My tabs are: Reading, Writing/Grammar, Math, Science/Social Studies.  We used Standards Based Grading (1-4 for our levels). (Click to shop)

Each student did not need all 8 tabs, so I split them up.  I have around 20 students each year.

In the front of each binder I put this sheet that I created for our assessments.  Click on the picture for an editable page.  Please make a copy for yourself before editing.  Here is the pdf too.

 

Throughout the year I meet one on one with students to check in on their scores, set goals, and then also to put copies of their work with learning levels in their binders under the correct sections.  For example, if we have a math test, I make a copy of their assessment and they put this copy in their binder with their learning level on it.  Then they take the original home.  It is extra work, but just takes a second to run the assessments through the copier and hole punch.

When I did this, I noticed that my students really enjoyed seeing their progress!  It was also really nice to pull this out for parent teacher conferences.  The students could talk about their work and progress easily throughout the year. 

How do you involve students in their data?  This works for me!

Classroom Refresh

There is a lot of research that supports different types of classroom decor and organization.  For the past three years I have had my bulletin boards bright purple, turquoise, and green.  I bought polka dot themed decorations to go with these colors.  I am ready this summer for a refresh!  I am going to try a calming turquoise on all of my bulletin boards.  We are very fortunate that we can paint!! Our principal is very supportive.  I also love Teacher Created Resources for my classroom decor.  I don’t think that you need a theme, but personally it is easier that way for me! This summer I plan to redecorate with the Home Sweet Classroom theme.  What is your opinion?  I am hoping that it has more of a calming effect.

Summer Fun!

Today is our first day of summer!  We are excited to get some break from our normal routine.  My kids will still go to daycare one to two days a week to stay in their routine.  I can get some things done for myself and my classroom that way too!  This summer my son is signed up for a speech therapy class on Mondays through Shine Therapy Services.  I am also trying out Preschool at home thanks to @busytoddler! We will have a fun summer of play and learning!

https://busytoddler.com/