When I was putting together my binder, I knew it would benefit my students to have a binder as well. I once had a teacher who had specific rules for our class binder and we were graded on them. This summer I was fortunate enough to run into her and I got to discuss how exactly she had us organize it. I keep my lessons arranged the EXACT SAME WAY as my students, that way we are all on the same page. Here is a look into how my students must stay organized:
Table of Contents
The VERY first page in their binder is their table of contents. Everything is organized in the order it was assigned. I have a whiteboard near the front of the class that I update for them. it is THEIR RESPONSIBILITY to keep their ToC up to date.
Assignments
To make things easy to find, students must keep all their papers and handouts in the same order as they are listed on their ToC. They also must NUMBER the papers in the top right corner according to their number on the ToC. This makes it easier to find a certain assignment when flipping through the pages.
Binder Checks
I know what many of you are thinking: I DONT WANT TO CHECK ALL THOSE BINDERS!
My former teacher, Mrs. Paula Smith from Owasso High School, had a wonderful solution. BINDER QUIZZES. Every so often, whenever I choose, I give a quick binder quiz. They only have 10 minutes to complete this quiz. The quiz checks to make sure everything is updated, in order, and filled out correctly. if the student is behind on any of these things, they will not be able to complete the quiz. if they keep everything in check, there is no reason they shouldn't make a 100%. Here is what mine look like:
My former teacher, Mrs. Paula Smith from Owasso High School, had a wonderful solution. BINDER QUIZZES. Every so often, whenever I choose, I give a quick binder quiz. They only have 10 minutes to complete this quiz. The quiz checks to make sure everything is updated, in order, and filled out correctly. if the student is behind on any of these things, they will not be able to complete the quiz. if they keep everything in check, there is no reason they shouldn't make a 100%. Here is what mine look like:
Notebook Quiz 1:
1. What is item #4 on your ToC?
2. On item #3, what is bolded at the top?
3. On item #6, what is the first question you had to answer?
4. How many questions did you have to answer for item #9?
5. When can you turn in late or missing work? (Check your syllabus)
The idea behind these quizzes is not to check for understanding, but simply for organization. If it's not all there or in the wrong order, they will probably not be able to finish it or answer all the questions correctly. The other GREAT things about this is that 1) I HAVE to turn papers back quickly 2) If a grade is entered wrong, they hopefully still have the paper can we can correct the error.
1. What is item #4 on your ToC?
2. On item #3, what is bolded at the top?
3. On item #6, what is the first question you had to answer?
4. How many questions did you have to answer for item #9?
5. When can you turn in late or missing work? (Check your syllabus)
The idea behind these quizzes is not to check for understanding, but simply for organization. If it's not all there or in the wrong order, they will probably not be able to finish it or answer all the questions correctly. The other GREAT things about this is that 1) I HAVE to turn papers back quickly 2) If a grade is entered wrong, they hopefully still have the paper can we can correct the error.
