Interactive Notebooks are making a comeback in classrooms. For years, classrooms moved toward more technology, more digital assignments, and more screen-based learning. Now, many teachers are looking for ways to bring students back to paper, pencils, and hands-on learning. Interactive notebooks offer a way to make that shift without sacrificing the engagement and organization that teachers loved about digital tools. Going back to paper doesn’t have to mean going back to boring worksheets, endless note-taking, or students copying information from the board.

This is where interactive notebooks can make a difference.

What are Interactive Notebooks?

Interactive notebooks give students a dedicated space to record what they’re learning, interact with new concepts, practice important skills, and create a resource they can return to throughout the school year. Instead of completing an activity and immediately forgetting about it, students build a personalized collection of learning that grows right along with them.

They can write, sketch, annotate, organize ideas, and practice. Most importantly, they can actively engage with what they are learning without needing another screen in front of them.

For teachers who are looking to incorporate more paper-based learning into their classrooms, interactive notebooks can offer the best of both worlds: the organization and engagement we want for students, combined with the simplicity of a notebook and a pencil.

This is a nice addition to the classroom, and it does not mean you have to abandon all tech. It’s just a great way to balance the classroom.

Why Do Interactive Notebooks Work Well in the Classroom?

1.They reduce passive screen time. Students physically write, annotate, sketch, and interact with concepts.

2. They create a year-long reference tool. Students can flip back to plot, conflict, characterization, theme, tone, mood, and literary devices whenever they need them.

3.They make note-taking more purposeful. Your Learn It → Write It → See It → Visualize It → Try It → Remember It system is perfect here.

4. They support active learning. Students aren’t simply copying definitions. They’re applying the skill, analyzing examples, and using text evidence.

5. They work with any text. This is a major selling point for your resource. Teachers can teach the concept once and then return to the notebook while reading short stories, novels, or independent reading books.

6. They provide a break from technology without feeling old-fashioned. The doodles, interactive elements, quick practice, and visual organization make paper engaging.

7. They help students build independence. Instead of asking, “What’s dramatic irony again?” students know exactly where to find it.

Benefits to Using These Notebooks in Your Classroom

1. Writing by hand encourages deeper processing.

One of the most well-known findings in educational research is that handwriting encourages students to process information rather than simply copy it.

Researchers Mueller and Oppenheimer found that students taking handwritten notes tended to process ideas more deeply because they summarized and rephrased information rather than transcribing it word for word. This led to stronger conceptual understanding in many learning situations.

How this relates to interactive notebooks:

Interactive notebooks require students to:

• summarize
• paraphrase
• organize ideas
• write explanations

rather than simply filling in blanks on a computer.

2. Interactive notebooks promote active learning.

Students aren’t passive recipients of information. They are constantly:

• drawing
• writing
• highlighting
• categorizing
• connecting ideas
• reflecting

Educational organizations note that interactive notebooks help students classify, synthesize, and reflect on learning instead of using traditional linear note-taking.

3. They encourage generative note-taking.

Good interactive notebooks don’t ask students to copy. They ask students to:

• explain
• connect
• predict
• infer
• apply

Generative note-taking, where students reorganize and interpret information, has consistently been associated with stronger learning than verbatim copying.

Why I’m Bringing Interactive Notebooks Back

After teaching middle school ELA for more than two decades, I’ve learned that students don’t need more worksheets. They don’t need more random activities, and certainly don’t need to spend half the class cutting and gluing tiny pieces of paper. They need a learning system.

That’s exactly why I decided to create a new collection of interactive notebooks. I wanted something that would bring students back to paper without bringing back the busywork that often gave interactive notebooks a bad reputation.

Instead of spending twenty minutes cutting out foldables, students spend that time thinking.

Instead of creating pages that are used once and forgotten, students build a notebook they return to all year long.

Every page is designed to teach a skill, provide guided practice, and then help students immediately apply what they’ve learned to authentic reading. The result is a notebook that becomes less of a craft project and more of a learning tool.

My Six-Step Learning Process

Every notebook page follows the same six-step process. Once students learn the routine, they know exactly what to expect each time they open their notebooks.

Learn It

Students begin with an essential question, academic vocabulary, and a simple explanation of the skill they’ll be learning. Before students can analyze literature, they need a clear understanding of the concept.

Write It

Students complete guided notes that focus on the most important information.The notes are concise, purposeful, and designed to eliminate unnecessary copying while still encouraging students to process new learning.

See It

Before students work independently, they examine a teacher-model example. Seeing the thinking process modeled builds confidence and gives students a clear picture of what success looks like.

Visualize It

Students create a simple sketch, symbol, or doodle that represents the concept. Research suggests that combining words with visuals can strengthen memory by giving students multiple ways to recall information.

Try It

Students immediately practice the new skill using a short passage or example. Learning doesn’t stop with definitions. Students begin applying the concept while it’s still fresh.

Apply It to Your Reading

This is the piece I believe is often missing from traditional interactive notebooks. Each lesson includes a companion page that students can use with any novel, short story, article, or independent reading book.Instead of practicing the skill one time and moving on, students continue applying it throughout the year.

Whether they’re identifying characterization in The Outsiders, analyzing conflict in Thank You, Ma’am, or collecting evidence for theme in their independent reading book, students return to the same notebook strategy again and again. That’s where real learning happens.

You Can These Worksheets Too…

I added all of these Literary Devices Worksheets to my store, as I had SO many requests, and you can have them too! Click any of the images below, and it will bring you to the product.

Technology will always have a place in our classrooms, and I still believe it can be a powerful too. Some learning experiences are simply better on paper. It we want students to think deeply, interact with text, and create lasting reference tools they actually use, interactive notebooks may be exactly what our classroom need right now.

If you have any questions about my Interactive Notebooks, just send me an email at kim@englishohmy.com.

The post Using Interactive Notebooks in Your Classroom appeared first on English, Oh My!.

It’s that time of year again! I bet many of you are considering classroom decorating ideas for the new school year. Decorating a middle school classroom can be both fun and challenging. It’s an opportunity to create an engaging and inspiring environment that fosters learning and creativity. Whether you’re a new teacher or looking for fresh ideas, here’s a guide to help you decorate your classroom effectively.

1. Engaging Bulletin Boards

Bulletin boards are a fantastic way to decorate your classroom while providing educational content and promoting student engagement. Engaging bulletin boards play a vital role in a classroom for several reasons:

1. Enhancing Learning: Bulletin boards can serve as interactive learning tools. They can display educational content, such as vocabulary words, math problems, historical timelines, and scientific concepts, making information visually accessible and easier to retain.
2. Providing Visual Stimulation: A visually appealing classroom can stimulate students’ interest and curiosity. Bright colors, interesting graphics, and dynamic displays can create a vibrant learning atmosphere that can enhance mood and motivation.
3. Celebrating Achievements: Bulletin boards can showcase student achievements and highlight their work. This recognition can boost self-esteem, motivate students to perform well, and create a positive classroom culture where achievements are celebrated.

Here are a few bulletin board ideas to get you started in decorating you classroom:

A. Punny Titles and Craftivities:

• “Taco ‘Bout a Great Year!”: Start the year with a bulletin board featuring taco-themed crafts. Have students create their own taco toppings, writing their goals or fun facts about themselves on each piece.
• “We’re ‘Soup’er Readers!”: Display a large pot of soup and have students add “ingredients” (book titles they’ve read) throughout the year.
• “Bee Your Best!”: Use bee-themed decorations to encourage positive behavior and highlight student achievements.

B. Interactive Boards:

“Math Mystery”: Change weekly math problems or riddles to keep students engaged. Offer small rewards for correct answers.

“Caught Being Kind”: Dedicate a space for recognizing acts of kindness. Students can add notes when they catch someone doing something kind.

C. Seasonal and Thematic Boards:

Spring Garden: Flowers with students’ goals for the remainder of the school year.

Autumn Leaves: Create a tree and let students add colorful leaves with things they’re thankful for.

Winter Wonderland: A snowy scene where students can add snowflakes with their favorite winter activities or holiday traditions.

2. Functional Classroom Decorating Ideas: Enhancing Classroom Practicality

Decorations in a classroom can do more than beautify the space; they can also serve practical purposes that enhance the functionality and efficiency of the learning environment. Here are some ways to incorporate functional decorations into your classroom:

1. Word Walls

Purpose: Enhance Vocabulary Learning

• Design: Create a colorful and organized word wall to display new vocabulary words. Use vibrant borders and clear labels for different parts of speech or subject areas.
• Implementation: Add new words regularly, and encourage students to refer to the word wall during writing and reading activities.

2. Learning Centers

Purpose: Facilitate Independent Learning

• Design: Decorate and organize specific areas for different activities such as reading, writing, math, and science. Use signs, posters, and themed decorations to designate each center.
• Implementation: Equip each center with the necessary materials and instructions. Rotate activities regularly to keep students engaged.

3. Student Work Displays

Purpose: Motivate and Recognize Students

Implementation: Change the displays frequently to showcase different students’ work and celebrate their achievements.

Design: Dedicate a wall or a section of the room to display student work. Use colorful frames, borders, and labels to highlight individual pieces.

3. Organizational Tools

Purpose: Maintain Classroom Order and Efficiency

• Color-Coded Supplies:
  • Design: Use color-coded bins, folders, and labels to organize supplies and materials. Assign different colors for different subjects or groups.
  • Implementation: Teach students the system so they can easily find and return materials.
• Daily Schedule Board:
  • Design: Display the daily schedule in a prominent place. Use a large, easy-to-read format with magnets or Velcro for easy changes.
  • Implementation: Review the schedule with students at the beginning of each day to set expectations and keep the class on track.
• Classroom Jobs Chart:
  • Design: Create a chart for classroom jobs, using themed decorations or a creative design that fits your classroom’s overall theme.
  • Implementation: Rotate jobs weekly or monthly to give all students a chance to participate and learn responsibility.

Shop This Post!

Other Classroom Decorating Ideas!

Classroom Decoration Ideas – Hilary Statum

Pinterest Decorating Ideas for Middle School

Incorporating functional decorations into your classroom not only makes the space more aesthetically pleasing but also enhances its practicality. These decorations can streamline the organization, support learning, and create a positive and engaging environment for students. By combining creativity with functionality, you can create a classroom that is both beautiful and efficient.

Shop This Post

The post 3 Classroom Decorating Ideas for Middle School Teachers appeared first on English, Oh My!.

Are you looking for classroom essentials for your ELA classroom? We are rolling right through August, and it’s time for us to get ready for back to school! As you walk the aisles of your favorite teacher store (or you scroll through Amazon), there are going to be so many things screaming that you need them. But let’s be real, you don’t need everything. So, what do you need? These six essential items for an ELA Classroom. 

WRITE About This Classroom Essential

Even though we live in a digital world and many of us do a majority of things online, there are times when the old-fashioned pen and pencil are what you need. Therefore, having extra pencils in your classroom for students ready to go can save you a ton of headaches. I actually make sure I have any writing utensils my students might need. From pencils, pens, to highlighters, having these go-to tools on hand is an essential item for your classroom to keep everything moving. What is my favorite? Check these classroom essential writing tools below (affiliate links).

TICONDEROGA PENCILS

Have you tried the Frixion Erasable Pens? They are amazing! Trust me!

Frixion Erasable Pens

Mark Your Spot!

Whenever I give out books to students whether it’s a class novel or reading textbook, I always get asked, “What page are we on?” about 10,000 times a day. This gets so frustrating which is why I like to hand out bookmarks. Now, you can buy bookmarks on Amazon in bulk or you can make it more personal. I like to just cut off slices of paper, have students write their name on it and then decorate it as well. This way students like their bookmark and it doesn’t cost any money. You can also do this with sticky notes. This essential item for an ELA classroom will help you keep your sanity when your students need to find their place. 

Bookmarks

Read All About this Classroom Essential for the ELA Classroom 

Since you’re going to have bookmarks, you want to make sure you have books that go with them! Even if you are reading in class, having a small classroom library for students to check out books is an essential classroom item because it encourages reading. Whenever my students finish an assessment early, I tell them to read something. However, I don’t want my students going to the library by themselves. Therefore, having a small student library is an essential ELA item. 

Organize the Essential Lists! 

An essential item for your ELA classroom that pertains more to you than your students are file folders. Having file folders for papers to grade, lists for attendance, or simple fast finisher activities is an essential item. Having file folders in your classroom will help keep you organized. You can also use these for students so they know where to put things. When I was teaching multiple grade levels, I had a designed folder for each grade level which made my life so much easier. 

Colorful File Folders

Keep It All Together 

Beyond using file folders for organizing, having bins or even a cell phone holder can be an essential item for the ELA classroom. You want to know where things are when you need them. Therefore, if you are using organizing bins or drawers, you should label them so your students know where to go if needed. Having a specific place for pencils, highlighters, fast finisher activities, and more can be a huge help. You can also have a place for passwords which can be helpful, especially with middle school students. 

The Essential Sub Binder 

Finally, the essential item for any classroom is a sub-binder. Creating a sub-binder for any time you might be gone can be a complete lifesaver. In your sub binder, you can have a schedule, class lists, and any seating charts. You might also want to include a list of classroom rules or policies the school has in an easy-to-read list. In my sub binder, I like to include some fast finisher work or activities students can do if they finish things early. 

Other Back to School Ideas

There are about a thousand different things you could get for your classroom. However, if you focus on the essentials, then you’ll have a classroom that is organized and easy to navigate. Happy start of the school year! 

The post Classroom Essentials for an ELA Teacher appeared first on English, Oh My!.

Back to school activities for middle school students are important to implement the first few weeks of school.  These engaging classroom activities help establish a welcoming classroom environment. In addition, these activities set the tone and expectations of your classroom for the rest of the year.  Within the first two weeks, teachers want to emphasize classroom community and learning. Due to the pandemic, administrators encourage the teachers to incorporate social emotional learning activities into their lessons. Therefore, it is vital to include “Getting to Know You” activities, group activities, and just overall “fun” lessons into your first two weeks of school to establish community and learning expectations. Here are five activities to implement during your first two weeks of school.

Back to School Activities

First, you are definitely going to want to start with some “Getting to Know You” Activities.  Your students appreciate that you want to learn about them and their lives.

In this flip book activity, your students can either assemble or be given the flip book. You can also have them move through six stations-A Little About Me-Instagram Feed; Growth Quotations & Goals; Teacher Inquiry & Investigation; There’s a Rule for That!; The Power of One Word & Book Interests.  In these stations and in their flip books, your students will make inferences and draw conclusions, participate in group discussions, color, be creative, and they will use their imagination! You can check this resource out RIGHT HERE!

Would you like your students to get to know your classroom, your syllabus, and your expectations?

Engage your with this back to school or first day of school activity.  Are you looking for some fun icebreakers and collaborative activities? In this Digital Escape Ⓡ, there are nine different activities, and your students will complete activities, “Would You Rather…”, Syllabus/Requirements and Expectations Activity, Getting to Know Your Peers, and Class Goals. 

In this Digital Escape Ⓡ, Mr. Buttercakes, the principal, has lost his assembly notes that are taking place in 45 minutes. These notes are extremely important, and he has enlisted you and your group to help him backtrack to find his notes. GRAB THIS RIGHT HERE!

ICE BREAKER BINGO

Here is a quick back to school activity for you class. In this Ice Breaker Bingo activity, your students are asked to walk around the room and find peers who can match their answers. Their peers have to sign their sheet to validate the answer. This is an engaging activity will help break the awkwardness in the room. This is a perfect activity for upper elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Social Emotional Learning  Activities

Are you looking for a social emotional learning activity? Would you like to encompass more empathy and compassion into your classroom?

Walk a Day in My Shoes

Teaching empathy, compassion and kindness is an integral part of education, and it is also an integral part of a teenager’s life.  Teaching a student to “walk in another’s shoes” is an essential part of perspective and character. Your students will complete journal entries, watch a few short videos on empathy, compassion, and kindness, and complete a shoe activity.  This activity will change their mindset and how they look at others.  They will learn what it is like to “walk in someone else’s shoes”.

I hope these ideas are helpful! If you ever have any questions, just reach out to englishohmy@gmail.com.

The post Back to School Activities for Middle School appeared first on English, Oh My!.

Classroom digital tools are a hot topic of conversation among teachers these days. Many districts are debating whether their schools will go back full time or if there will be a hybrid schedule.  Nonetheless, teachers want to prepare for the “just in case” scenarios. Teachers want reliable, engaging digital tools.  Specifically, English Language Arts teachers are searching for digital websites and resources that help their students with annotating, reading and writing skills, grammar practice, among other English skills and techniques.

I wanted to share with you a few digital platforms and resources for the English Language Arts classroom.  I used and found these tools extremely helpful during distance learning.  Regardless of what your school district is doing in the fall, it is important to have a list of go-to digital tools in your back pocket. Distance learning is now a part of teachers’ vocabulary.  They have to be ready for the distance learning scenario at a moment’s notice.

Digital Resources for the Classroom

Here are three of my favorite digital tools for the English Language Arts Classroom-

Kami– Have you used Kami? It is an amazing digital tool for the English classroom. Kami is a Google Extension™ one can easily download to a Chromebook or Chrome extension bar.  What is so incredible about Kami, is the teacher uploads a PDF assignment, and it allows the students to highlight the text on the PDF. It also allows the students to listen to the text, annotate, write, and make notes on the document. Teachers can assign work through Kami, and the students can turn it in Google Classroom™.

Google Meets Grid View– During distance learning, many teachers were using Zoom; however, many districts were finding issues with the platform, as it was not safe.  Districts were and are using Google Meet because they are GSuite subscribers, and the students are 1:1 with Chromebooks. One of the nice features about Zoom is it provides a grid view of the students who enter a meeting.  For a while, Google Meets™ did not have the grid view features…but now they do.  You can now download this Google extension, and you get the same features of the grid view Zoom is offering. I love seeing all of my students’ faces in the meetings and creates the personal connection.

Quill– Quill is one of my favorite digital websites I used during distance learning.  I worried my students would digress in some of their grammar, punctuation, and mechanic skills, and this website came to the rescue. Quill provides free writing and grammar activities for elementary, middle, and high school students. What is incredible about Quill is the teacher can build an assignment for their students or s/he can assign a diagnostic test to see where the students are lacking in skills. Quill makes it so easy because if the teacher is using Google Classroom™, s/he can just connect his/her classes right to Quill. You will love it!

The ELA Success Summit

Are you looking for MORE engaging, exciting digital tools, resources, and insights for the English Language Arts Classroom?

My dear friend, Kristy, from 2Peasandadog and I, put our creative minds together and created the ELA Success Summit. Together, we had discussions about what we thought English teachers will need for the upcoming school year. Since online learning may continue, we put together an online conference focusing on digital tools, resources, websites, and insights to help teachers in the classroom.

In this online summit, registrants will receive 20+ videos ranging from creating in Google Slides™, writing and reading in the digital classroom, using Google Forms™ for assessment purposes, classroom discourse, and so much more! Registrants will also receive the replay of the videos for two months, and s/he can watch them at his/her leisure.

This summit will give you a tremendous amount of information, incredible planning ideas for the new school year, as well as relieve some of your stress and apprehension you may have with remote learning.

If you are interested in learning more about the ELA Success Summit, you can check it out HERE!

If you ever have any questions or want to reach out, please feel free to email me at englishohmy@gmail.com!

Talk soon,

Kim

The post Digital Tools for the English Language Arts Classroom appeared first on English, Oh My!.