Summer Stock Up: Interactive Notebook & Task Cards


INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOKS
Interactive notebooks have changed the way I teach in my classroom. I started off only using them for math skills. I noticed my students were really engaged and used them as a reference tool before tests or when they weren't sure how to complete a problem. I quickly realized what a valuable tool they were and began integrating them into my language arts, as well. Now, I can't imagine teaching without them.

Set Up:
Before school starts, I glue notebook covers onto each student's notebook. I also cut, glue, and insert the tabs we will use to help organize our notebooks. This is a very time consuming process, but necessary. If the notebooks are NOT set up in a friendly, organized manner, it makes it very difficult for the students to refer back to them during the year. All my interactive notebooks come with the appropriate covers and tabs needed to help your students be as organized as possible. Last year, I also added an envelope to the back cover for small and loose pieces. This was a game changer for those students who always need extra time to finish. 

Example Math Pages: 
Each page has the Common Core standard written in kid-friendly "I Can" language that is glued to the top of the notebook page. When necessary, terms and vocabulary are defined with examples for students to refer back to. I have my students cut these out and glue them at the bottom of the page. 

Example pictures are included for every page in each notebook. This is to give you, the teacher, an example of how the page can be used. However, I always say, you know your students best and should make sure to use the activities to best suit your students' needs. 

Rubric:
I have to admit, when I first started using interactive notebooks I didn't use a rubric. I modeled how the pages should be completed and explained my expectations, but there was no visual reference for the students to refer to besides my model page. Most of my classes were OK with that. However, this year was a bit different. My students needed the rubric to be successful. So, I created this kid-friendly rubric for each of them to glue into the inside of the front cover of their notebook. 

They would "grade" themselves on all their pages they completed. Once a week, I would have them choose one page they wanted me to look at and comment on. Of course, I looked at all the pages, but I only commented on the one page they chose. 

TASK CARDS
I LOVE using task cards in my classroom!! They provide such a versatile way to review skills quickly and in a meaningful way. My students love to grab a set of cards and a recording sheet. Sometimes they work with a partner. Sometimes they work independently. Sometimes we work on them as a whole class. But no matter how they are being used, the kids are engaged and learning!

This is a common sight in my classroom. As soon as I make a new set of task cards, the laminator comes out of its box and I begin prepping the set for my kiddos. You should hear the kids..."New task cards? Yay! When do we get to use them?" They L-O-V-E them!


I keep all my task card sets on metal rings. I hang the skills we are working on, along with a few review concepts on hooks in my classroom. This makes it easy for the kids to independently grab what they need to work on. When they are finished, the find the corresponding answer sheet I keep in our task card binder and correct their work. When we work on a set as a whole group, I project the cards for everyone to see. Then, they record their answers on the provided student recording sheet. We always discuss our answers and correct as we go. 
Are you ready to get started with interactive notebooks and task cards in your classroom? To help get you started, I have put all my INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOKS and TASK CARD sets on sale this weekend for 20% off!!! You can grab also both of these FREEBIES below, by heading over to my FACEBOOK Page, like my page, and click on the Summer Stock Up buttons.


Ready to discover some more incredible products? Click the button below to take you to the Primary Gal's FB Page where you can see all the great bloggers who are participating and giving away tons of amazing products.


Teachers Love Summer!

Summer is here! Oh, yes it is! I think teachers get more excited about summer than the kids. And you know what? I'm good with that! I love summer for so many reasons. To share all my summer love with you, I am linking up with my blogging bestie, Aimee from Primarily Speaking.


My favorite reasons why I love summer....

NO ALARM CLOCK!  This is a no-brainer for me! The last morning I wake up before a vacation is about to start, I make sure to flip the switch to OFF! And... I make sure it doesn't go back on until the very last day of vacation. If I have to wake up for something early (like a trip to the airport) I will use the alarm on my phone. I will not touch the one by my bed! Crazy? Maybe. But it's just how I roll.
Image result for no alarm clock


STAYING IN MY PJS....all day long! I will spare you a picture of this site. But I love waking up and lounging on my couch. Working on my computer. Snuggling with my boys. And just not rushing through the day. AKA: I like being lazy sometimes!


BASEBALL: Summer baseball with my boys is the best! In the summer, I love going to all their tournaments and not worrying as much about scheduling conflicts. It just seems to be easier to get to everything and enjoy it! This is the perfect example of team work, bonding, and trust that occurs on and off the field with the boys. Makes this mom SO proud. 



VACATIONS with my family!  We have already started summer with a short trip to San Diego for a Padres game, and a longer trip to Omaha for a baseball tournament. However, the most important part about the vacations is the memories that are being made! Quality time together is also key. Cheers to more summer memories being made!

VEGAS, Baby! I can't wait to get back to Vegas to see all these lovely ladies AND meet up with many more new friends I have made this past year! The countdown has started and I just can't hide my excitement! Time to start shopping and getting my pack list ready!!!!

What are your favorite things about summer? Make sure to head on over and link up!

Summer Reading List for Teachers

I love summer for so many reasons! But one of my most favorite things to do is to relax by the pool or at the beach and READ! I love finding a great book and getting lost in it. It doesn't happen often, but the summer gives me the best chance to accomplish it! 

I am thrilled to be linking up with my dear friend, Molly from Lucky to Be In First to share what I hope to read this summer.

I have just started my summer reading list. Wonder is for my son. He read it this year and told me I NEED to read it. How can a mom say no, right? SO, Wonder will be my first summer read. I also like to escape reality as much as possible, hence my other reading pics.

Wonder: by R.J. Palacio
A Hundred Summers: by Beatriz Williams


Here are two of my favorite books that I have read. I think you will get "lost" in them too. 

The Other Boleyn Girl: by Philippa Gregory
The Pact: by Jodi Picoult

What are you excited to read this summer? Make sure to link up and share your finds.