March is Interactive Math Month

You won't find it on any calendar, or in your school newsletter. It's not an official holiday, nor is it a long standing tradition. Then why mention this self-proclaimed Interactive Math Month? It's because I've used INBs and lapbooks with my kids for years, and I recently discovered that classroom teachers are falling in love with this method of teaching as well. I figured, it's about time tutors get on this bandwagon too! That is why for the entire month of March, Tutoring Supplies by Design will be focusing on adding interactive companion packets for all of the math games in the store.

Can you see the excitement on my face?

What exactly is an Interactive Notebook anyway?

The easy answer: little student created booklets in a larger notebook on any given subject.

Here are a few examples from other bloggers:

Interactive Math Notebooks for Middle School

Integers in an Interactive Notebook

A Slide Share all about Interactive Notebooks

The more indepth answer: Flip-flap books, matchbooks, wheels and spinners, fan books and accordion books; all aid students in exploring new content and reviewing that content later. These mini books are glued, taped, or stapled into a composition notebook, three-ring binder, or any other folder/notebook of your choice, along with added drawings, diagrams, and teacher guided notes.

Typically, this method is used during teaching time, and is highly adaptable to students' various needs. This is why it has been so popular with homeschoolers. Teacher-parents are able to guide a group of students with wide ranges of abilities all learning the same basic topic. With a current push toward differentiation in the schools, this method is gaining popularity.

Why would interactive notebooking help tutors then?

This method engages the learner on multiple levels as they connect with the information. If your student's classroom teachers aren't already using this method, you can help them connect with the information they are learning on a deeper level than simply studying flash cards or writing out definitions. Your students may want to bring their INB to and from school so they can use it during class to jot notes or questions they'd like you to help them understand or answer.

Another beneficial way you could incorporate INBs is when helping your students study for tests. Most teachers will provide students with study guides for large exams such as semester exams or unit exams. Why not turn each component of the test guide into a page in the notebook. As your learner creates the flip-flap books and writes in notes for each skill and content area, they will develop a deeper understanding of the material, and you will have a better understanding of where they need the most help!

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Now that you have a better idea of what interactive Notebooks are and how you can put them to good use, here is my first published resource for the month!

It's fraction time for most elementary classes this time of year, so I've been hard at work creating fun and engaging games for my students to practice their fraction skills. Most of my students working on this content are in 4th grade, so that means they are learning all about equivalency. They are also all really into space themes, aliens and planets and rockets. These first few resources, therefore, have been designed for my students with this in mind.

  

Equivalent Fraction Memory with Anchor Charts

Equivalent Fraction Match Up Puzzles with Review Sheets

These first two are the games. I laminate the cards for durability, and then slide the Anchor Charts and Puzzle Pages into a Photo Binder so all of my fraction materials are together in one place. As I began making the companion packet, I decided to use the same aliens so my students could quickly reference the Anchor Charts.

Equivalent Fraction Interactive Notebook and Worksheets

Now it's your turn! If you have a blog post or product that is inspired by Interactive Notebooks, or that will help other teachers, tutors, and even homeschoolers incorporate interactive notebooking in their lessons, please leave a link below.