Setting Up Interactive Notebooks

The summer is a perfect time to get as much of the details as possible before the WHIRLWIND of the beginning of the school year. I love interactive notebooks and they were an amazing learning tool. There were a few hiccups along the way so this summer I wanted to make sure to plan ahead. Here is what I did to make sure that our notebooks are neat and ready to use...

 I ran to the school supply aisle as soon as they came up last week!
I love school supplies and the Back to School is the absolute best!

You are also going to need a glue gun and scissors. The first thing that I did was take the sassy little ribbon that I found and cut it to fit the notebook. I used the glue gun to attach the ribbon. 

Easy peasy lemon squeezy! 

Now my interactive notebooks all have book marks! I thought this was perfect for the kiddos to find there place during a lesson and will keep my lessons running smoothly. The next step was to add an envelope to the back of the notebook for any loose pieces. I chose to use the mailing envelope for these journals. If you want an option that allows you to see what is in the envelop, a sheet protector or a  Ziploc bag will work as well. The sheet protector will give you more space where as the Ziploc bag will give you a closure so the pieces don't fall out. In the end, it's all about what works for you!

Now working with duct tape can seriously be tricky and I am notorious for getting it all stuck to itself...eventually balling it up and looking as I am in the middle of a snowball fight. So I came up with a few ways to keep the sticky off...

The first little trick is the paper clip....it actually lets me get the tape started! 

The next little trick is using wax paper. Oh yes....wax paper. I have a hard enough time cutting in a straight line and it's even more difficult when the tape sticks. So I laid the strips down on wax paper and it made it SO MUCH EASIER to cut the duct tape (and it was straight...WOOHOO!)

Once I got started, it really didn't take me too long at all!

One more summer project down! This will save me so much time once the school year gets started and will help my interactive notebooks be more efficient. I can't wait!

So much fun sharing this little idea with you! Hope it helps you organize for the fall as well!