The Interactive Student Notebook (ISN) Early Childhood Education

You may have said the following: I can’t find my homework I can’t remember what we did last class What did we do while I was out? I’ve lost the handout!

Your ISN can make a difference in how you study and process new information for class.

And help you to: Become an independent thinker and writer Learn to organize notes and “connect the dots” Create a portfolio of your individual learning that shows your progress over time

What is the purpose of an ISN ? To learn creatively To use your own learning style to process new information

What supplies do you need? 8 ½” by 11” college-ruled spiral notebook Some notebooks are 8 ½” by 10 which will make it hard for you to use 150 pages Plastic cover

Other items needed Highlighters Glue sticks Colored pencils Paper Blue or black pens Pencils

Other items needed NEVER MARKERS!

Components of your notebook Cover Number all the pages on the top right corner of each page. Unit Title Pages

Your notebook’s orientation Left side is your choice – always an EVEN numbered page Right side is teacher directed – always an ODD numbered page (remember—teachers are odd!)

Left—Student Side What do I already know about this? Is a place to preview new ideas and information may be a prewriting activity, brainstorming or concept web What do I already know about this?

How can I put what I have learned in terms I understand? Left—Student Side Is a place to organize and process new ideas You may express your understanding of new ideas, feelings, and opinions by using various, creative methods How can I put what I have learned in terms I understand?

Examples of left side work

Left—Student Side More creative ways to organize new ideas: Venn diagram Poetry Timeline Written reflections Graphs and charts Photos or illustrations

Examples of Left Side work

Left side—EXTRA CREDIT Most units have a variety of extra credit opportunities How to find out about these activities: Listen in class Check out the website under “Daily Activities” Check out our website under “files-enrichment Check out your guided notes

More examples of left side work

Right side—teacher directed All “testable” information Used for recording class, discussion, video and reading notes I usually share a syllabus and graphic organizers to help you get started.

Right side—teacher directed Handouts will be glued onto the right side of the notebook. It will avoid work being “lost.” When notes exceed one page, loose leaf pages can be glued to the bottom as extensions and then folded up or you can go to the next right side page.

Evaluating your ISN Work should be neat and well organized. All entries should be titled and dated. Your ISN should show me that you are thinking about what we are studying.

Evaluating your ISN A Rubric will be provided for self, parent and teacher assessment usually twice a quarter. ISNs count double grade: each turn includes both formative and summative points

Evaluating your ISN Points are earned for completed work All class notes and assignments should be included —even for the times you are absent!

Missing Work Check the table at the front of the room or the hanging files Also, visit our website for handouts, notes and resources that include class powerpoints.

Show pride in yourself and your work Strive for an “A” Notebooks are used in class daily; you may store them in the bins by your pod