1.     Your INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK will increase your understanding of science and social studies by—

·     Using writing as a process for discovery.

·     Offering a conventional twist on the traditional notebook.

·     Providing a cohesive structure for note taking and student reflection before, during, and after instruction.

·     Improving your ability to develop creative, reflective, and independent thoughts.

 

 

2.    Your INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK will have a “left-side, right-side” orientation to help you record, organize, and process new information. Much of classwork and homework will be done in your notebook.

    Your INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK will include the following components—  Cover

·     Author Page

·     Student Guidelines—this will be provided for you and will be attached in the back of your notebook.

·     Table of Contents—we will go over this together. I will keep an updated table of contents on my teacher website and also in my teacher notebook that can be found in the classroom.

·     Chapter Title Pages—these will be completed as we begin new chapters.

·     Work in Progress—this will be an envelope attached in the back of your notebook.

·     Left-Hand Side pages—these will be used for processing new ideas...YOUR ideas. We will be showing our understanding of new material by using illustrations, diagrams, cartoons, poetry, etc.

o   Making Connections--place articles, pictures, or cartoons (from magazines, newspapers, or the Internet) into your notebook, along with a 4–5 sentence summary and reflection on how the materials relate to our topic of study. You might also include original drawings. “Making Connections” entries should sharpen (rather than clutter) the visual appearance of your notebook. If you are unsure of where to place this in your notebook, bring the materials to class and I can help you.

·     Right-Hand Side pages—these will be used for class, discussion, or reading notes. This will be where we organize information that all students must know.

 

4.    Your INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK will be graded at least twice each month. They will be graded on thoroughness, quality, organization, and visual appearance. A detailed rubric will be provided and included on the Student Guidelines page that will be attached in your notebook. This is so that you will know exactly what is expected of you.

 

5.    Your INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK must be neat and organized. I will keep a teacher notebook that you can access in the classroom for your reference. The tools you need in order to be successful will be provided for you. It is up to you to do the rest!

 

6.   If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get missed notebook assignments from a classmate or the Interactive Teacher Notebook. You can see me if you need further instructions regarding an assignment.

 

Please read over this information with your parent/guardian. Once you have gone over it together, sign both of your names below, detach the bottom portion, and return to me by Tuesday, September 11^th. Keep this packet at home for reference. If you come up with any questions together regarding the Interactive Notebook, you can email me or contact me at school (626-3705).