I am hearing a lot of buzz about interactive notebooks. Can anyone share what they have done with these? Is it appropriate for 2nd grade? I can see where they would be benficial, but I don't know if it is something I want to venture into.
Interactive notebooks can take off in so many ways, and it can be different from activity to activity. I have used it as a way to practice notation during experimental design activities with Kindergarten. They can draw observations and glue on labels. They can sequence photos that we took and write ordinal numbers. They can make something and then write down all of the materials they used. They can write reflection sentences after an activity. That's how I used it in K.
I plan to do something similar in 2nd grade, but I'll step it up a notch. Interactive notebooks can have a two-way communication (student and teacher or student to student) if you wanted. They can be used as an observation book througout the entire year if you have an outdoor learning environment. They can be used as a question and answer resource. They can be notebooks used be teammates or individual notebooks. They can be used for observations with specific questions you provide each time.
Question 1 - Does your district have guidelines already in place? Question 2 - Have you done any research? Google it and read a little bit. Whatever grabs you - go with that. Make it up as you go along. Teach like in "The Magic School Bus" - get messy and make mistakes! The kids will definitely tell you what they like if you are venturing new territory. Question 3 - Is your team doing it? It's always easier to try something new together.