The Benefits of Interactive Notebooks

Interactive notebooks are a great way to get students to create their own meaning from the things they learn in the classroom. There are huge benefits to having students in the primary grades keep interactive notebooks. Notebooks are a fun way to introduce the concept of taking notes and organizing ideas. As a matter of fact, Dinah Zike states that interactive notebooks "help students focus on and remember key points." In addition, she points out how notebooks "that are three-dimensional also make the student interact with the data kinesthetically" (n.d.). This is so important when helping students retain information. English language learners can especially benefit from the combination of written language combined with images.

As I continue to pursue my BS degree in Elementary Education, I am starting to realize the potential for interactive notebooks in the primary grades. I was introduced to some excellent examples by a 6th grade teacher this past school year and would like to extend those ideas to the lower grades. I guess you can say that I was bit by the notebook bug! Now I want to create a place to share all the ideas I plan on finding and hopefully gain insights from those of you that have used them and would like to share some of your own ideas and experiences. The possibilities for this concept are truly endless!

I'm totally new to blogging so bear with me, please. I'm enthusiastic about teaching and about learning. I know many teachers who use blogs to help familiarize their students with technology as well as to help them respond to ideas in authentic ways. This is my maiden voyage into the world of blogging. I think this is another excellent form of education technology. All for a good cause, right?

When it comes to teaching, I'm all for anything that will help children engage and get them excited to learn. I worked in a Title 1 classroom full of struggling learners this past year and I recognize the need to provide consistent, organized ways for kids to process and review information they are learning. As an adult with ADHD, I totally understand the need for structure and opportunities to respond to what’s being taught. I'm all about arts and crafts, so to me, interactive notebooks are the ultimate teaching tool. Who's with me?

Reference:

Zike, D. (n.d.). Dinah Zike’s Teaching with Foldables – Science/Math. Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. Columbus, OH.