An Interactive Notebook for Reader's Workshop... and a SUMMER SALE!

I am SO excited to share something I have been working on for quite a while.  {I am usually working on several projects at a time, and they can take a really long time from start to finish.}  This project was extraordinarily time-consuming... but I think it's going to do wonders for journaling.  :)  This is my new Interactive Notebook pack! You can get the deets HERE, if you're interested. 

If interactive notebooking is new to you.  This is essentially how it works.  Each child has a notebook.  It can be a standard-sized notebook (which I prefer), or it can be a composition notebook.  (Either size will work with this file, by the way.)  Within the notebook, your students keep track of new learning, diagrams, charts, reflections, etc.  Students use the left side of the notebook (the back sides of each page essentially) to write their own personal reflections, diagrams, etc. It's a place for them to interact with the information they are learning in class in their own unique and creative ways.  You may decide to use the left side of the paper for pre-tests, quickwrites, formative assessments, T-charts, summaries, etc.  (Some of the flap books in this file really lend themselves to this... but you want to be careful not to take over too often.  The left side is supposed to be reserved for student expression... but yes... you can guide them and absolutely should model/guide them over time.)

The right side of the notebook is the teacher-directed side, and it's where the flap books come in to play.  They can be folded, and then your students can cut flaps that will allow you to organize information in a fun, interactive way.  Once your students respond to the text or activity, they simply glue the flap book into their journals.  Easy peasy!  :)  I prefer to trim around our flap books, and 99% of my students always do the same.  It just looks neater that way, and it leaves more room around the flap book for note-taking.  Win-win! 

Here's how it looks in action:

Since I will be teaching 3rd and 4th grade ELA this year, I have a feeling that this will be an evolving and expanding file.  I am CERTAIN that I will be adding more to it as the year progresses... as needs arise.  I can't wait to share this process with you as we delve into LOTS of deep thinking!

Now, before I take off,  I'm going to leave you with this... a SUMMER SALE!  Everything in my shop will be on sale for 20% off through Friday night!  Just one way of saying THANK YOU for always following my little slice of cyberspace.  Have a great night!