3 Top Benefits of Ancient Civilization Interactive Notebooks
Implementing Interactive Student Notebooks was one of the BEST things I ever did.
The simple concept of a student notebook helped tremendously with organization and structure for both me and my students.
Let’s face it though, writing on blank notebook paper wasn’t exactly the most exciting thing ever.
While I learned a lot about using the structure of interactive student notebooks, one of the items at the top of my list, was finding ways to make it more engaging for my students.
In this post, I will share 3 of the top benefits to using interactive notebooks in history class.
The simple concept of a student notebook helped tremendously with organization and structure for both me and my students.
Let’s face it though, writing on blank notebook paper wasn’t exactly the most exciting thing ever.
While I learned a lot about using the structure of interactive student notebooks, one of the items at the top of my list, was finding ways to make it more engaging for my students.
In this post, I will share 3 of the top benefits to using interactive notebooks in history class.
#1 Increased Engagement
When I first implemented the Interactive Student Notebook or ISN, there wasn’t a lot of information out there about using it the structure in a history or social studies class. Most of the resources I found were all about science.
So I had to do some experimenting with what worked well for history.
One of the easiest ways I found to make the material more engaging for my students, was to use notebook foldables.
So I had to do some experimenting with what worked well for history.
One of the easiest ways I found to make the material more engaging for my students, was to use notebook foldables.
Ancient Egypt Notebook Foldable set available in my TpT Store
#2 Organization and Structure
Not only did the foldable strategy provide a way for student to engage more with the material – but they also provided a much needed form of organization for the students.
Of course, part of the purpose of an Interactive Student Notebook is to provide an organizational structure to students.
But beyond the notebook itself, the foldable strategy provided an organizational approach to taking notes.
I’m a big believer that students need guidance with note-taking.
When you ask students to take out paper and “take notes” most often you will find students will try to write down everything or they will write down nothing. Either way – it’s no good.
Notebook foldables provide a nice fun way to give students guidance about what type of information they should be looking for.
I found Interactive Student Notebooks to be super helpful in so many ways.
They provide structure for students to help with their organization.
They serve as a study tool for students – if you just take the time to show them how to actually study with their notes.
Of course, part of the purpose of an Interactive Student Notebook is to provide an organizational structure to students.
But beyond the notebook itself, the foldable strategy provided an organizational approach to taking notes.
I’m a big believer that students need guidance with note-taking.
When you ask students to take out paper and “take notes” most often you will find students will try to write down everything or they will write down nothing. Either way – it’s no good.
Notebook foldables provide a nice fun way to give students guidance about what type of information they should be looking for.
I found Interactive Student Notebooks to be super helpful in so many ways.
They provide structure for students to help with their organization.
They serve as a study tool for students – if you just take the time to show them how to actually study with their notes.
Ancient Greece Notebook Foldable set available in my TpT Store
#3 Direction for Lesson Planning
One of the unexpected benefits of using interactive notebooks that I did not see coming, is that they give direction for my lesson planning.
When I teach a new concept or objective, I am always thinking about how I want students to process and work with the information in their notebook.
Everything completed in class together, goes in the notebook. I view the notebook as a place for students to practice and process the actual content.
Since the notebooks are a place for practice, it also means my grading is simplified. I mostly use a rubric to grade the notebook at the end of the unit. Although I will do some spot checking from time to time in class. This system alone has really streamlined my instruction and grading processes.
Ancient Egypt Notebook Foldable set available in my TpT Store
Ready to Roll Materials
If you are looking for a boost in student engagement, a method for teaching students organization strategies, and streamlining your lesson planning, then using interactive student notebooks is the way to go!
And now that you know the benefits of using interactive notebooks with your students, you may be ready to dive in!
You could spend the time searching for materials and putting all your pieces together, or you may be looking for some done-for-you solutions.
I’m happy to share that you have the opportunity to benefit from all my research, experience, and hard work!
Here are some ready-to-roll materials you may find useful to start using interactive notebooks in your history class to teach ancient civilizations:
If you are completely new to interactive notebooks, then you may want to start with the Complete ISN Implementation Package
If you want to boost engagement with your notebooks, then definitely check out the entire line of Ancient History Notebook Foldables
And now that you know the benefits of using interactive notebooks with your students, you may be ready to dive in!
You could spend the time searching for materials and putting all your pieces together, or you may be looking for some done-for-you solutions.
I’m happy to share that you have the opportunity to benefit from all my research, experience, and hard work!
Here are some ready-to-roll materials you may find useful to start using interactive notebooks in your history class to teach ancient civilizations:
If you are completely new to interactive notebooks, then you may want to start with the Complete ISN Implementation Package
If you want to boost engagement with your notebooks, then definitely check out the entire line of Ancient History Notebook Foldables
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Welcome! I'm Hillary Midgley, a veteran 6th grade teacher.
I create educational materials and develop curriculum for other teachers. I specialize in teaching students how to learn through my Study Skills Curriculum. I have established fundamental classroom systems and structures for teachers to help them streamline their classroom. And my passion is teaching ancient history through engaging activities with foundations in academic skills. Here you will find resources on all of these topics and more. Learn more about me here.
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