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

notebookSome 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!

Cover Number all the pages on the top

right corner of each page. Unit Title Pages

Components of your notebook

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

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?

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?

Left—Student Side

Examples of left side work

More creative ways to organize new ideas: Venn diagramPoetryTimeline Written reflectionsGraphs and chartsPhotos or illustrations

Left—Student Side

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