Interactive
Journals
Key Ideas
 Interactive journaling will make a
difference!
 Students are actively engaged in thinking
and communicating.
 Students feel “ownership” because they
are creating meaningful knowledge for
themselves.
What are Interactive
Journals?
 A student thinking tool.
 An organizer for inquiry questions and what I
learned.
 A way to access and process the learning utilizing
various modalities (writing, drawing, and
discussion).
 A place for reorganizing new information in a
creative format.
 A formative assessment tool for teachers.
How are Interactive Journals
different from other journals?
 Interactive Journals have a “left-side, rightside” orientation to help students record,
organize, and process new information. This
takes advantage of the way each hemisphere
of the brain works!
 Interactive Journals are not used just as a
storehouse of information. The students are
expected to continually reflect and show
evidence of this reflection through “left hand”
assignments.
Why Use Interactive
Journals?
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Improve organization skills
Improve critical thinking skills
Express understanding creatively
Record data
Study for tests
Record progress
Communication
Impact of Interactive
Journals on Student
Achievement
Research shows that student understanding
and literacy skills improve when students do
hands-on/minds-on activities and use journals
to make sense of their learning.
Today you will create your
Interactive Journal to record
information during our class.
This journal will be graded
every 2 weeks.
Journal Supplies
Glue or glue stick
Notebook
Pencils &
highlighters
scissors
colored pencils
or crayons
Why composition books work well
 The paper is sturdy and people are less
likely to rip out pages.
 No wires to get tangled when you stack
them.
 Very cheap
 Easy to organize
Right Side? Left Side?
What Goes Where?
Left Side
Right Side
Student Output
Teacher Input/Content
Pencil/Blue or Black Ink
Can use some color

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
Graphic organizers
Anticipation Guides
Drawings
Responses to questions from
the textbook
Responses to questions from
video clips
Responses to math problems
Reflections
Exit Slip responses

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Notes from the board
Notes from the textbook
Notes from video clips
Vocabulary flip-flap charts
Steps for Solving Math
problems
Interactive-technology writeups
Anchor Charts
Reference Sheets
“A Bit More On The Left”
Getting Students to Think About Their Learning
REFLECTIONS
Use Guiding Prompts:
 What are you curious about?
 What would you like to test?
 What are the important details to remember?
 How does this relate to your life?
 What don’t you understand?
For younger students
consider . .
 Creating a class journal to model
the process of journaling using a
Big Book or a chart tablet.
 Students contribute by finding
pictures and telling you what to
record.
 Blank big books are available at
www.abcstuff.com for $1.39 each
Getting started Step 1:
On the cover, write your
name and grade/period.
You can also draw or
paste a picture of
something that reminds
you of math/science.
*Creative Suggestion: Take a picture of each student
wearing a lab coat and goggles and paste to the front cover!
Rules Page for K-2 Science Journals
Rule 1: I will write the date and page number for every entry in my journal.
Rule 2: All of my entries will be placed in my table of contents at the front of my
journal.
Rule 3: I will use the “LEFT SIDE/RIGHT SIDE” rules when I take notes:



What goes on my LEFT SIDE?
Answers to questions my teacher
asks
Drawings my teacher asks me to
draw
Webs my teacher asks me to
draw
What goes on
 Notes from
 Notes from
 Notes from
my RIGHT SIDE?
my teacher
a video
a book
Rule 4: Whenever I do a Science Lab I will follow these steps:

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
Ask a question
Make a hypothesis
Do an experiment
Collect information
Review information
Report results
Rule 5: Whenever I use my journal to study I will underline important information
with crayons.
MY PASSWORDS
FCAT Explorer
Gizmo
MY JOURNAL GRADES
DATE
SCORE
Rules Page for 3rd-5th Science Journals
Rule 1: I will write the date and page number for every entry in my journal.
Rule 2: All of my entries will be placed in my table of contents at the front of my journal.
Rule 3: I will use the “LEFT SIDE/RIGHT SIDE” rules when I take notes:







What goes on my LEFT SIDE?
Graphic Organizers
Anticipation Guides
Drawings
Responses to questions from the textbook
Reflections
Exit Slips
Analysis of my test data

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

What goes on my RIGHT SIDE?
Notes my teacher writes on the board
Notes from the textbook
Notes from video clips
Vocabulary flip-flap charts
Gizmo write-ups
Reference Sheets
Anchor Charts
Rule 4: Whenever I do a Science Investigation I will follow this format:
DEMONSTRATION LABS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Problem Statement (Purpose)
Materials:
Procedure:
Observations:
Data:
Analysis
INQUIRY LABS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Problem Statement (Purpose)
Variables:
Hypothesis:
Materials:
Procedure:
Observations:
Data:
Conclusion:
Rule 5: Whenever I have vocabulary words I will put them in my journal using a flip-flap chart.
Directions for a flip-flap chart:
o
Fold the paper on the right side of the journal in half vertically (hotdog style)
o
Use scissors to cut the folded half into parts. Make one flap for each word.
o
Write the vocabulary word on the top of the folded flap.
o
Write the definition on the inside of the flap.
o
Draw a picture and/or write a sentence using the word on the back of the flap.
Rule 6: Whenever I use my journal to study I will underline important information with crayons.
MY PASSWORDS
FCAT Explorer
Gizmo
MY JOURNAL GRADES
DATE
SCORE
Rules Page for 6th -8th Science Journals
Rule 1: I will write the date and page number for every entry in my journal.
Rule 2: All of my entries will be placed in my table of contents at the front of my journal.
Rule 3: I will use the “LEFT SIDE/RIGHT SIDE” rules when I take notes:







What goes on my LEFT SIDE?
Graphic Organizers
Anticipation Guides
Drawings
Responses to questions from the textbook
Reflections
Exit Slips
Analysis of my test data







What goes on my RIGHT SIDE?
Notes my teacher writes on the board
Notes from the textbook
Notes from video clips
Vocabulary flip-flap charts
Gizmo write-ups
Reference Sheets
Anchor Charts
Rule 4: Whenever I do a Science Investigation I will follow this format:
DEMONSTRATION LABS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Problem Statement (Purpose)
Materials:
Procedure:
Observations:
Data:
Analysis
INQUIRY LABS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Problem Statement (Purpose)
Variables:
Hypothesis:
Materials:
Procedure:
Observations:
Data:
Conclusion:
Rule 5: Whenever I have vocabulary words I will put them in my journal using a flip-flap chart.
Directions for a flip-flap chart:
o
Fold the paper on the right side of the journal in half vertically (hotdog style)
o
Use scissors to cut the folded half into parts. Make one flap for each word.
o
Write the vocabulary word on the top of the folded flap.
o
Write the definition on the inside of the flap.
o
Draw a picture and/or write a sentence using the word on the back of the flap.
Rule 6: Whenever I use my journal to study I will underline important information with crayons.
MY PASSWORDS
FCAT Explorer
Gizmo
MY JOURNAL GRADES
DATE
SCORE
Rules Page for K-2 Math Journals
Rule 1: I will write the date and page number for every entry in my journal.
Rule 2: All of my entries will be placed in my table of contents at the front of my
journal.
Rule 3: I will use the “LEFT SIDE/RIGHT SIDE” rules when I take notes:



What goes on my LEFT SIDE?
Answers to questions my teacher
asks
Drawings my teacher asks me to
draw
Webs my teacher asks me to
draw
What goes on
 Notes from
 Notes from
 Notes from
my RIGHT SIDE?
my teacher
a video
a book
Rule 4: Whenever I use my journal to study I will underline important information
with crayons.
MY PASSWORDS
FCAT Explorer
Gizmo
MY JOURNAL GRADES
DATE
SCORE
Rules Page for 3rd-5th Math Journals
Rule 1: I will write the date and page number for every entry in my journal.
Rule 2: All of my entries will be placed in my table of contents at the front of my journal.
Rule 3: I will use the “LEFT SIDE/RIGHT SIDE” rules when I take notes:







What goes on my LEFT SIDE?
Graphic Organizers
Anticipation Guides
Drawings
Responses to questions from the textbook
Reflections
Exit Slips
Analysis of my test data







What goes on my RIGHT SIDE?
Notes my teacher writes on the board
Notes from the textbook
Notes from video clips
Vocabulary flip-flap charts
Steps for solving Math problems
Reference Sheets
Anchor Charts
Rule 5: Whenever I have vocabulary words I will put them in my journal using a flip-flap chart.
Directions for a flip-flap chart:
o Fold the paper on the right side of the journal in half vertically (hotdog style)
o Use scissors to cut the folded half into parts. Make one flap for each word.
o Write the vocabulary word on the top of the folded flap.
o Write the definition on the inside of the flap.
o Draw a picture and/or write a sentence using the word on the back of the flap.
Rule 6: Whenever I use my journal to study I will underline important information with crayons.
MY PASSWORDS
FCAT Explorer
Gizmo
MY JOURNAL GRADES
DATE
SCORE
Step 2:

Glue the “Rules Page” to the inside cover of your
notebook.
Rules Page for Journals
Rule 1: I will write the date and page number for every entry in my journal.
Rule 2: All of my entries will be placed in my table of contents at the front of my journal.
Rule 3: I will use the “LEFT SIDE/RIGHT SIDE” rules when I take notes:
What goes on my LEFT SIDE?
 Answers to Math
problems
 Drawings my teacher asks
me to draw
 Webs my teacher asks me
to draw
What goes on my RIGHT SIDE?
 Notes from my teacher
 Notes from a video
 Notes from a book
Rule 4: Whenever I use my journal to study I will underline important information with
crayons.
Step 4:
Staple several copies of the Table of Contents
printout to the first page.
Rules Page for Journals
Rule 1: I will write the date and page number for every entry in my journal.
Rule 2: All of my entries will be placed in my table of contents at the front of my journal.
Rule 3: I will use the “LEFT SIDE/RIGHT SIDE” rules when I take notes:
What goes on my LEFT SIDE?
 Answers to Math
problems
 Drawings my teacher asks
me to draw
 Webs my teacher asks me
to draw
What goes on my RIGHT SIDE?
 Notes from my teacher
 Notes from a video
 Notes from a book
Rule 4: Whenever I use my journal to study I will underline important information with
crayons.
Table of Contents
Step 3:

Number the first 50 pages. Numbers should be small and
at the top outside corner of every page.
Rules Page for Journals
Rule 1: I will write the date and page number for every entry in my journal.
Rule 2: All of my entries will be placed in my table of contents at the front of my journal.
Rule 3: I will use the “LEFT SIDE/RIGHT SIDE” rules when I take notes:
What goes on my LEFT SIDE?
 Answers to Math
problems
 Drawings my teacher asks
me to draw
 Webs my teacher asks me
to draw
What goes on my RIGHT SIDE?
 Notes from my teacher
 Notes from a video
 Notes from a book
Rule 4: Whenever I use my journal to study I will underline important information with
crayons.
1
2
Step 4:
Staple the Student Data Chat Sheet to the Back Inside Cover.
Add additional sheets on top each time a data chat occurs.
*Suggestion: Have students analyze their data by
drawing graphs on the left side of their journals during
your data chats.
What about labs?
Labs go in your notebooks too! Glue
the template right onto the page and
fold the edges over.
Title:
Title:
Benchmarks:
Benchmarks:
Problem Statement (Purpose):
Problem Statement (Purpose):
Variables:
Variables:
1. Independent (Manipulated) Variable:
1. Independent (Manipulated) Variable:
2. Dependent (Responding) Variable:
2. Dependent (Responding) Variable:
3. Control:
3. Control:
Hypothesis:
Hypothesis:
If
If
, then
, then
.
.
Materials:
Materials:
Procedure:
Procedure:
Observations:
Observations:
Data:
Data:
1. Raw Data: (Data Table)
1. Raw Data: (Data Table)
2. Manipulated Data: (Graphs)
2. Manipulated Data: (Graphs)
What about vocabulary?
 Interactive journals are a great
place to do vocabulary work.
 Students store all vocabulary in
their journals using foldables.
Vocabulary Foldable
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Fold the paper on the right side of the journal in half vertically (hotdog style)
Use scissors to cut the folded half into parts. Make one flap for each word.
Write the vocabulary word on the top of the folded flap.
Write the definition on the inside of the flap.
Draw a picture and/or write a sentence using the word on the back of the flap.
How do we use our Interactive Journals
to Improve
Reading Comprehension?
 Minimize student copying from
board or text by providing photo
copies of passages to glue on
the right side of journals.
 Model how to read the passage
while highlighting, underlining,
and making notes as the
students follow along.
Why do we need a Journal Rubric?
 The use of a rubric is necessary to
define standards of detail or
thoroughness.
 When a rubric is well defined,
learners know exactly what is
expected of them and how they may
achieve a top grade.
Science Journal Rubric
Science Journal Rubric
Student Name: ________________________ Title of Journal Entry: ______________________________________
25
Work is very organized;
pages are attached
Organization/Neatness securely; all entries are
Points earned: ______ in the table of contents;
pages are numbered
and dated
20
Work is organized; some
pages are loose; 1 to 2
entries are missing from
the table of contents;
pages are numbered and
dated
25
All work is clear,
complete, and detailed.
Anyone could use as a
study guide.
20
Most work is done, but 1
to 2 assignments are
missing or incomplete.
25
Work is clear, focused,
and reveals personal
reflection; all
assignments are
complete.
25
All labs are in the
notebook; all parts to
each lab are complete,
detailed and show
exceptional effort.
Completeness for
Right Side
Points earned: ______
Completeness for Left
Side
Points earned: ______
Science Investigations
Points earned: ______
Date: _____________
15
Work is a little confusing;
pages hanging out of
notebook; 3 to 4 entries
are missing from the
table of contents;pages
are numbered and/or
dated
15
Work and notes are
mostly done, but 3 to 4
assignments are missing
or incomplete.
10
Work has little order; 5
to 6 entries are missing
from the table of
contents; Many hanging
or loose pages; most
pages are numbered
and/or dated
10
Work and notes are
partially done;5 to 6
assignments are missing
or incomplete.
5
Work has no order;
pages are missing
more than 6 entries
are missing from the
table of contents; few
pages are numbered
or dated
5
Much of the work is
missing or unreadable;
more than 6
assignments are
missing or incomplete.
20
Work is clear, focused,
and reflective; 1 to 2
assignments are missing
or incomplete.
15
Work is sufficient and
reflective; 3 to 4
assignments are missing
or incomplete.
10
Work is insufficient but
shows reflection; 5 to
6assignments are missing
or incomplete.
20
All labs are in the
notebook; all parts to
each lab are complete.
15
1 to 2 labs are missing;
some parts of labs are
incomplete.
10
3 to 4 labs are missing;
some parts of labs are
incomplete.
5
Work is insufficient
and shows no
reflection;
more than 6
assignments are
missing or incomplete.
5
More than 4 labs are
missing.
*Note: Journals should be checked and assigned a grade at the end of each unit. It is suggested
that the Journal be 20% of the total grade.
Math Journal Rubric
Student Name:
Math Journal Rubric
Date:
30
Work is very organized;
pages are attached
Organization/Neatness securely; all entries are
Points earned: ______ in the table of contents;
pages are numbered
and dated
20
Work is organized; some
pages are loose; 1 to 2
entries are missing from
the table of contents;
pages are numbered and
dated
10
Work is a little confusing;
pages hanging out of
notebook; 3 to 4 entries
are missing from the
table of contents; pages
are numbered and/or
dated
35
25
15
All work is clear,
Most work is done, but 1 Work and notes are
Completeness for
complete, and detailed. to 2 assignments are
mostly done, but 3 to 4
Right Side
Anyone could use as a missing or incomplete.
assignments are missing
or incomplete.
Points earned: ______ study guide.
5
Work has little order; 5
to 6 entries are missing
from the table of
contents; Many hanging
or loose pages; most
pages are numbered
and/or dated
5
Work and notes are
partially done; 5 to 6
assignments are missing
or incomplete.
0
Work has no order;
pages are missing
more than 6 entries
are missing from the
table of contents ; few
pages are numbered
or dated
0
Much of the work is
missing or unreadable;
more than 6
assignments are
missing or incomplete.
35
Work is clear, focused,
Completeness for Left and reveals personal
reflection; all
Side
Points earned: ______ assignments are
complete.
25
Work is clear, focused,
and reflective; 1 to 2
assignments are missing
or incomplete.
5
Work is insufficient but
shows reflection; 5 to 6
assignments are missing
or incomplete.
0
Work is insufficient
and shows no
reflection;
more than 6
assignments are
missing or incomplete.
15
Work is sufficient and
reflective; 3 to 4
assignments are missing
or incomplete.
*Note: Journals should be checked and assigned a grade at the end of each unit. It is suggested
that the Journal be 20% of the total grade.
Record the Scores on the
Journal Rules Page
Rules Page for 3rd-5th Math Journals
Rule 1: I will write the date and page number for every entry in my journal.
Rule 2: All of my entries will be placed in my table of contents at the front of my journal.
Rule 3: I will use the “LEFT SIDE/RIGHT SIDE” rules when I take notes:







What goes on my LEFT SIDE?
Graphic Organizers
Anticipation Guides
Drawings
Responses to questions from the textbook
Reflections
Exit Slips
Analysis of my test data







What goes on my RIGHT SIDE?
Notes my teacher writes on the board
Notes from the textbook
Notes from video clips
Vocabulary flip-flap charts
Steps for solving Math problems
Reference Sheets
Anchor Charts
Rule 5: Whenever I have vocabulary words I will put them in my journal using a flip-flap chart.
Directions for a flip-flap chart:
o Fold the paper on the right side of the journal in half vertically (hotdog style)
o Use scissors to cut the folded half into parts. Make one flap for each word.
o Write the vocabulary word on the top of the folded flap.
o Write the definition on the inside of the flap.
o Draw a picture and/or write a sentence using the word on the back of the flap.
Rule 6: Whenever I use my journal to study I will underline important information with crayons.
MY PASSWORDS
FCAT Explorer
Gizmo
MY JOURNAL GRADES
DATE
SCORE
MY JOURNAL GRADES
DATE
SCORE
Don’t forget…
Descriptive Written Feedback
 Write Descriptive Feedback in the Interactive
Journals every time you review them.
 Descriptive Written Feedback gives specific
information students can use and asks the
student what to do to move their reasoning to
the next level.
How do I give effective
Descriptive Feedback?
Consider the following questions as you reflect on your current
feedback practices:





Do you give clear, concise feedback related to the learning
goals?
Do you identify what was done well, and what needs
improvement?
Does your feedback include how they can improve?
Are your students expected to act on your feedback?
Do you follow up on the feedback?
Work Folders vs. Journals
Science
What goes in my Science Student Work Folder?
What goes in my Science Journal?
Essential Labs Instruction page with assigned grade
Completed Lab Templates
Science Journal “Rules Page” (attached to inside front
Science Journal Rubrics with assigned grade
cover)
Graded tests and quizzes
Table of Contents page (attached to first page)
Graded projects
Student Data Chat Form (attached to inside back cover)
Select bellwork, classwork & homework
Graphic organizers and foldables
Gizmo write-ups
Work Folders vs. Journals
Math
What goes in my Math Work Folder?
What goes in my Math Journal?
Math Journal Rubrics with assigned grade
Math Journal “Rules Page” (attached to inside front cover)
Graded tests and quizzes
Table of Contents page (attached to first page)
Graded projects
Student Data Chat Forms (attached to inside back cover)
Select bellwork, classwork & homework
Graphic organizers and foldables
Gizmo write-ups
Sample student work
Example page:
OUTPUT
(your interpretation)
INPUT
(notes from teacher)
Graphic Organizers
 Help organize thoughts.
 Assist with answering open response
questions.
Venn Diagram
T-chart
Net
Wheel
Tree
Let’s Practice a….
Left Hand assignment
 Turn to your Table of Contents and
record your first assignment as
Interactive Journal Graphic Organizer.
Make sure you record the date, title,
and correct page number!
 Create a graphic organizer to record the
advantages and disadvantages to using
a composition notebook for your
Interactive Journal. At the bottom of
the page, jot down some ideas you are
already wanting to remember for when
you implement this.
We Are READY!