Please get out your composition notebooks

Interactive Notebooks

WHat is an interactive notebook? A place to record information that enables you to process ideas, make connections, and help you become an independent, creative thinker and writer A portfolio of your work A make-it-yourself study guide A place for you to set goals and monitor your growth An ORGANIZATIONAL tool that encourages creativity in your responses

Famous writers (and readers) use notebooks KKurt Cobain Jack Kerouac Charlotte Brontë Leonardo da Vinci

Step one: Write your name on the front and sides Write your name on the front of your notebook AND along each side (this will help you find them faster). See images below.

Step TWO: number the pages Starting with the very first page, number EACH page (front and back) in the OUTER UPPER CORNER (yes, this is going to take a few minutes, but we only have to do it once)

Step three: set up the table of contents Use the front and back of the first five sheets (pages 1- 10)to make three columns: one for the date, one for the table of contents, and one for the page number. You will use this to record each entry in your notebook. See images below for an example of a blank page and a completed page.

Step four: Set up the Glossary The glossary is where you will add terms (such as literary devices) and other concepts in each unit along with corresponding page numbers. Use the LAST six numbered pages. First, label each of the last six pages with the word “Glossary”. Then, divide each page into four even boxes. Next, write one letter in the upper left corner of each box. (See images below) Glossary Pages: A-D E-H I-L M-P Q-T U-Z (with X, Y, Z sharing one box)

Step four continued: set up the last page of your glossary When you get to the last page, put the letters U,V,W in their own boxes, but the letters X,Y,Z will share the last box. (See image below) Glossary, last page: U, V, W X,Y,Z (in same box)

That’s it! Some things to keep in mind… Keep your interactive notebooks in class (unless you need to take them home to study, of course). Will they be graded? YES, at the end of each unit, roughly. Due dates forthcoming. put all entries in the table of contents and add to the glossary.