The read-aloud notebook is a compilation of co-created charts made by the teacher with student contributions. It is the vehicle by which the transfer of skills is facilitated between the read-aloud and the book club.
There are 2 options for creating a Reader's Notebook. The most widely used option is to use a Composition Book with at least 100 pages in it. A second option is to use a 3 ring binder with notebook paper.
Composition Book:
- Students will use one composition book for ALL 5 units (approximately 20 pages for each book).
- A composition book is better than a spiral notebook because the pages are well bound and stay intact for the duration of the year.
- Adding durable tabs every 20 pages to mark the sections allows students to have enough pages for each unit and allows for them to locate the different books and their charts easily.
- Including a Table of Contents is optional, but is one more tool students have to help them keep organized.
3-Ring Binder:
- Fill a 1" or 1 1/2" binder with 100 pages of notebook paper.
- Adding durable tabs every 20 pages to mark the sections allows students to have enough pages for each unit and allows for them to locate the different books and their charts easily.
- Including a Table of Contents is optional, but is one more tool students have to help them keep organized.
| TIP: Number all of the pages in the Reader's Notebook, front and back, before the first unit begins. This encourages organization and provides the opportunity to locate and reference charts easily for use during the book clubs. |