Interactive Notebook

So Interactive Notebooks have become all the rage on TpT and on so many blogs. I loved purchasing them on TpT, but after about my 3rd one I still didn't find one that fit Reading Street & what my classroom needs were. Either the skills didn't match perfectly, there were wordings I wanted to change, or things I needed to add.  So of COURSE I had to make my own! 

Here are a few sample pictures from Unit 1.

I have to be honest...the first day I did this with my kiddos I was ready to scream! It seemed like such a simple activity, but took FOREVER!  BUT...they LOVED it and had so much fun with it. So we have stuck with it and are on our third story creating these pages together. Every entry goes just a little bit smoother.

I have found it is good to have a sample journal already completed (like the above) to show them as you explain the process.  Then I create a second one that you color, draw in, write answers/examples, etc. for them to see as you are creating it with them. I keep reinforcing the idea that they can "reference" this ELA Notebook ANYTIME they need to.

My best "success" story to date to tell me this is worth ever bit of the effort is this...my students completed their first reading test on their own last week. The cold read / comprehension part referenced Main Ideas & Details. In the middle of the test I saw one of my students with his ELA Notebook out. I simply asked him what he was doing...his reply..."I was "referencing" my ELA Notebook to confirm the difference between Main Idea, Detail, and Topic. You said we could pull it out anytime we needed it." Indeed I did!!

So far I only have completed Reading Street Unit 1 & Unit 2, but like everything else in my TpT Store I will be creating them for all the units.

Check out a full preview of everything you get in Unit 1 here in my TpT Store! Click here for Unit 2.

If you have any suggestions, needs, or ideas for additions just let me know!