Here is the last jewel from Erin. It will need some testing. I am looking forward to hearing how it works out. I personally tossed a similar idea about six years ago, but that was purely because I am a very lazy person.
4. Interactive notebooks. I went to a local Common Core & Literacy workshop this summer, and one of the things I got out of it was this idea of interactive notebooks. I’m still mulling over the details in my head, but it will involve the students having a composition book to go along with the novels we read. I already supplement our novel reading with ancillary materials like non-fiction articles, graphic organizers, and reading strategies (e.g. Essential Sentences), but the plan is for students to add those things to their composition books, which would eventually become like a reference book that they’ve created themselves.
Two days into the year, I’m feeling very optimistic! Thanks in large part to this blog, I have never felt more confident in my teaching skills. Hope you are enjoying your well-earned retirement!
Gracias & Merci,
Erin Bas