Readers Notebook

 

 

 

Today I learned how to make a CUTE readers notebook out of scrapbook paper and a composition book.

 

Prep: 12X12 scrapbook paper. Cut 3 inches off the side of the paper. This will leave you with a 3X12 strip and a 9X12 (almost letter) size piece of paper. You need 2 of the 9X12 pieces of paper and one contrasting color of the 3X12 piece of paper.

 

Materials:

 

Composition Book

Glue Stick

2 pieces of 9X12 pieces of scrapbook paper

1 piece of 3X12 piece of scrapbook paper

Packing tape

Scissors

 

Here is my notebook with my scrapbook paper



Use the 3X12 piece of paper to cover the spine of the book. Use the notebook to make a crease in the paper. Fold the paper under to create a piece of paper that will fit to the spine. Put glue on the both sides of the notebook and wrap the paper over to cover the spine.

This shows the back of the notebook with the paper wrapped around the spine.

Seal the line of paper to the notebook with a stip of packaging tape.





Now cover the entire front of the notebook with glue.

Cover the notebook with one of the pieces of the scrapbook paper.

This actually shows the back being covered. But its the same process for both sides.

Now wrap the scrapbook paper around the notebook like you are wrapping a gift. Use packaging tape to seal the edges.

 

Leave a small gap as you fold the corners so that the paper has a little give when opened.

See small gap!

 

 

 

This is another view of the wrapping of the cover.

 

 

 

 

Once the cover is wrapped you can seal the spine paper and the cover paper with packaging tape.

 

 

 

 

 

These are the tabs created for our Readers Notebook.

Tada! Here is the front and back of my Readers Notebook. Next step is to add stickers and photos. Then seal the whole notebook with packaging tape.

I ♥ Scholastic Book Clubs

Incase you were wondering...I LOVE SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUBS!

Using their online website is so easy! I even setup a webpage for parents to order online. This has helped the process tremendously. When the catalog comes in the mail I add the order online to my "Class Page." I email out a recommendation list on my parent distribution list through Microsoft Outlook. Parents are able to order and pay online. I don't have to deal with any checks or anything. I submit the order (and add any books that I want) then the shipment comes in with details on who ordered what books. It is so easy!

Plus, Scholastic Bonus Points proram has helped me earn a TON of free books for my classroom. The kids love it, I love it. It's just a great program. If you haven't signed up...do it now!!

PS - If you are a new customer and you mention that I shared the info for you we can both earn bonus points. :)

Literacy Websites

If you have not heard of Holly Nowalk or Becky Koesel and you teach reading, this is a must-read for you!

My favorite part of the website is the "Reading" section of the website. This provides TONS of information about Guided Reading, Classroom Libraries and much more. Basically anything you want to know about provided the best guided reading lesson possible for your students.

If your district ever offers any training with Becky Koesel, I highly suggest going. If your district hasn't offered anything with her, I would suggest asking. It is definitely worth it.

Learning to read with Starfall

I decided to make my first blog post about Starfall. Starfall is a game website for kids that I not only use in my computer center, I also recommend it for parents to use at home. The site provides many phonics based games for students to play. There are interactive books as well. The kids love it and so do I. Go check it out!