For example, here are my old 4th grade notebooks.
See what I mean? Remember I taught in a pre-Pinterest era before. Cuteness was not a priority. In fact, these were started my first year teaching, which was when I was basically in survival mode.
After looking over my Pinterest "Teaching Organization" board, I decided to get my ugly math notebooks organized, well at least make them prettier. The organization can happen as the year goes on. I took 5 of the same white notebooks. I put a copy of the standards in the back. Not sure if I'm planning on keeping them there, but for now it works.
To make the notebooks pretty, I used this cardstock paper pack I bought from Hobby Lobby.
I picked one paper and cut it into strips with my paper trimmer to put on the notebooks ends. Although all the fronts are different papers with coordinating colors, I wanted the ends to all match facing out. Next, I printed out how each of the standards are organized. and trimmed it down and glued it to the cardstock strips.
Finally, I cut out cardstock papers for the front and printed off each standard and cut it out. Then I moved all the stuff from my old notebooks into these. I literally couldn't turn the pages in my old notebooks. This is already soooo much nicer. I can't wait to purge and insert more ideas!
Don't they just beg to be used? I know just carrying around these notebooks will make lesson planning a bit more fun!
