I've used writing notebooks for several years and have made changes along the way to find the best possible way to use them. This post will show how to set up your notebook! There is a video link at the bottom too!
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A. Decorate the Outside Cover
Informative Writing- 11 pages using front and back.
Rough Drafts- the rest of the notebook
I hope these ideas helped you organize student notebooks! If you are looking for a step-by-step writing approach TO MOTIVATE STUDENTS AND BOOST TEST SCORES that includes anchor charts, forms, tracking, model samples, printables, rubrics, slides, posters, etc. etc. Check out the all inclusive writing bundle:
(You will find some Amazon affiliate links on this page. The small commission I make goes back into my blog so I can provide teachers with ideas and activities for their classrooms!)
Use a composition notebook, create a personalized outside cover, and seal it with packaging tape. This is a great homework assignment!
C. Tabs and Cover Sheets
Ideas- 3 pages using front and back.
Paragraph Writing- 5 pages using front and back.
Writing Process- 1 page using front and back.
Narrative Writing- 14 pages using front and back.
Opinion Writing- 8 pages using front and back.
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B. Create a Table of Contents and Page Numbers
Start a table of contents on the first page. Save the first 4 pages for Table of Contents. As students add their notes, they number their pages and keep track on the Table of Contents page! We used colorful dot labels for page numbers.
Start a table of contents on the first page. Save the first 4 pages for Table of Contents. As students add their notes, they number their pages and keep track on the Table of Contents page! We used colorful dot labels for page numbers.
Colorful dots: Any 3/4 inch dot labels will work, but the ones below are my FAVORITE because they offer 10 different colors.
To make tabs for notebooks, there are 3 options. Post Its, Redi-Tags or TABS from my store. (Please don't purchase tabs from my store if you have already purchased an Interactive Writing Notebook. They have been added to that resource and you can download it from your purchases!)
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with Create tabs (and covers)
Ideas- 3 pages using front and back.
Paragraph Writing- 5 pages using front and back.
Writing Process- 1 page using front and back.
Narrative Writing- 14 pages using front and back.
Opinion Writing- 8 pages using front and back.
Informative Writing- 11 pages using front and back.
Rough Drafts- the rest of the notebook
Take notes in all sections except rough drafts. Use this section to create stories, revise and edit. Then write final drafts on a separate (final copy) paper and place them in writing porfolios.
The least expensive way:
I know all about teaching on a budget. Make Tabs with Post Its- This is the least expensive way. Collect as many colors of Post-It notes as needed for the amount of tabs you want to create and cut them in strips. Fold it over once. Then tape each color strip in the notebook. Use clear packaging tape and place it on both sides of the tab and both sides of the page so it looks like it is a laminated piece.
Redi Tags are easier but more expensive than Post Its.
I know all about teaching on a budget. Make Tabs with Post Its- This is the least expensive way. Collect as many colors of Post-It notes as needed for the amount of tabs you want to create and cut them in strips. Fold it over once. Then tape each color strip in the notebook. Use clear packaging tape and place it on both sides of the tab and both sides of the page so it looks like it is a laminated piece.
D. 3-Prong Pocket Folders- 2 per student
1. Student Resource Folder: Place FREE spelling dictionary and any resources neccessary for students to use during writing workshop. Place the resource pages in the fasteners and the spelling dictionary in one of the pockets in the folder.
If you need a Resource Guide, click below.
Free Spelling Dictionary!
2. Writing Portfolios: Use the second folder for final copies.
Collect everything that they have published throughout the year! Poems, stories, writing across the curriculum, bulletin board pieces, etc. Place them in a folder with brass fasteners. At the end of the year, they get to keep their final product! It is a great end-of-year gift! Another idea is to set them out on table during parent/teacher conferences so parents have something to look at while they are waiting.
Here is a video to show you how to set up your notebooks! Click on pic below!
