In order to stay organized, each student MUST have two composition notebooks, in order to create an Interactive Notebook (IN). One side is a Writer's Notebook, the other side, a Reader's Notebook. Other benefits include using it as your portfolio for colleges; creating pocket folders to avoid having to carry many supplies; having a great resource in other classes; and it highlights your creativity! Create your own IN using the guidelines below for my class!
Writer's Notebook
Inside Panel: Literary Umbrella Sheet
Page 1: Social Contract Page. Write the social contract agreement you helped create on this front page.
Page 2 (back of page 1): Label it Resources at the top, then list the following:
After that, skip four (4) pages (counting front and back).
Page 5: Start Writing: Start your Quick Writes here.
Then, skip about five (5) pages (counting front and back).
Create a pocket folder.
Resume: Continue writing here:
Last Page: Start your Word Hoard and work your way back toward the front of the book.
Back Panel: 3x3 Pre-writing Strategy
Pocket Pages (Watch this video)
Page 1: Social Contract Page. Write the social contract agreement you helped create on this front page.
Page 2 (back of page 1): Label it Resources at the top, then list the following:
- Class Website: www.englishfury.com
- Mixed Ink: www.englishfury.com/mixedink
- Teacher's Email (for students to use): [email protected]
- If the teacher is out: My Teacher is Missing tab - English Fury
- Where to find it at Horn: bit.ly/jagstudenthub
After that, skip four (4) pages (counting front and back).
Page 5: Start Writing: Start your Quick Writes here.
Then, skip about five (5) pages (counting front and back).
Create a pocket folder.
Resume: Continue writing here:
- Quick Writes
- Journaling
- Notes
- Essay Drafts
- Other
Last Page: Start your Word Hoard and work your way back toward the front of the book.
Back Panel: 3x3 Pre-writing Strategy
Pocket Pages (Watch this video)
Outside: Decorate the outside with drawings, stickers, crafts and flair. Make sure it's a creative reflection of you, but also make sure it's easy to identify as the Writing side! Only one requirement: make sure your LAST name and CLASS SUBJECT is highly visible on the cover.
Reader's Notebook
Inside Panel: Literary Terms
Page 1: Bio Page. Leave space at the top for your "License Plate," then write your full name, big across the midde underneath. Then, tell me about yourself (i.e., dat of birth, favorite things, besties, parents, aspirations, social media tags, things you like to do, eat, or see; things you don't like, etc.) Write all over the page, your favorite author(s), books, magazines, poem titles, songs, album covers, anything that gives an accurate description of who you are!
Page 2: Annotation Guide and Annotation Marks Guide (This is a resource. I would write these in my notebook.)
Page 3: References (write this at the top) then paste the following sheets on each page.
Page 7: Start your work here:
Pocket Folders: (Watch this video)
Inside Panel: Literary Terms
Page 1: Bio Page. Leave space at the top for your "License Plate," then write your full name, big across the midde underneath. Then, tell me about yourself (i.e., dat of birth, favorite things, besties, parents, aspirations, social media tags, things you like to do, eat, or see; things you don't like, etc.) Write all over the page, your favorite author(s), books, magazines, poem titles, songs, album covers, anything that gives an accurate description of who you are!
Page 2: Annotation Guide and Annotation Marks Guide (This is a resource. I would write these in my notebook.)
Page 3: References (write this at the top) then paste the following sheets on each page.
- 5 Senses Rubric
- Revising and Editing Checklist
- Elements of Fiction
- Summary vs. Analysis
- Reader's Response
- Analysis Template
Page 7: Start your work here:
- Color Marking Text Evidence
- Dialectical Journal
- Discussion Logs
- Handouts, foldables, worksheets, etc.
Pocket Folders: (Watch this video)
Outside: Decorate the outside with drawings, stickers, crafts and flair. Make sure it's a creative reflection of you, but also make sure you can identify it as the Reading side! Only one requirement though, make sure your LAST name and CLASS SUBJECT is highly visible on the cover.
Non-negotiable Organization Tips:
1. Make sure that you date each page daily on the top left or right corner so I can easily identify who it belongs to:
2. Pages are front and back. Let's not waste paper. So, page 1, then the back of page 1 is page 2.
3. All attachments should be taped, stapled or glued inside the notebook.
4. Cut papers to make them fit. No pages hanging over.
(Unless otherwise noted, these notebooks are to be kept in class in the designated area in case of a Notebook Check. You will be graded on these specifics. See examples below.)
1. Make sure that you date each page daily on the top left or right corner so I can easily identify who it belongs to:
- Nickname
- Date
- Subject
- Assignment Title
2. Pages are front and back. Let's not waste paper. So, page 1, then the back of page 1 is page 2.
3. All attachments should be taped, stapled or glued inside the notebook.
4. Cut papers to make them fit. No pages hanging over.
(Unless otherwise noted, these notebooks are to be kept in class in the designated area in case of a Notebook Check. You will be graded on these specifics. See examples below.)
Interactive Notebook Check
Routinely, I will conduct a notebook check to ensure that you are engaging in our book studies and grasping a full understanding of what we are reading and how we are analyzing literature. I will check for all of the assignments, with fidelity, that have been assigned and the following:
- Organization
- Bell Ringers/Quick Writes
- Discussion Logs
- Daily writings
- Color Marking
- Dialectical Journals
- The proper heading in the top left or right hand corner of each page











