How I prepare my own writing book to set an example to my learners

These are pictures of pages from my own writing books in which I prepare the notes I intend on giving my learners in various subjects. I show them how I use colour, flip flaps, etc to add some variety. Learners enjoy competing with one another to see whose will turn out the coolest.

These are pictures of pages from my own writing books in which I prepare the notes I intend on giving my learners in various subjects. I show them how I use colour, flip flaps, etc to add some variety. Learners enjoy competing with one another to see whose will turn out the coolest.

Mathematics notes from a learner's Math note-/writing book

Whole numbers: Learners were told to draw roofs at the top of each place value house.

Addition and subtraction: I drew and photocopied these pages for learners around which they jotted down various ways of solving + and -

Learners enjoyed making these flip flaps of ways to show numbers. I told them that this could be used in any subject- for new words, concepts etc.

Learners were taught fractions with the concrete apparatus I have in the Math kit. Thereafter we worked with visual representations of fractions and equivalence.

I found that even in grade 6 learners struggled with the concept of time. We started off by pasting in this basic photocopied clock and then I wrote the tips and notes like this on the board. Oh, we still use the blackboard and chalk. No wipeable boards nor fancy interactive whiteboards yet. 

Mathematics writing books of learners

At the end of 2014, I decided (strongly felt) that the learners needed to show pride in their work and present their notes or answers to exercises in a colourful, neat and presentable manner.

I searched for some ideas on how to make note-taking fun and less burdensome. I also asked myself the question, "How would I take notes?". In a world of modern technology, flexible or nimble thumbs and various types of interactive media, one has to think about and present ideas or lessons in a way that engages learners. Yes, we do still present many lessons as a direct instruction and are encouraged to vary instruction or teaching styles but note-taking should also be flexible and fun.

I have told my learners that perfect notes should not be our focus. We should strive towards excellence and present our work in a way that makes us feel proud. I will be sharing pictures of worksheets or other activities I have designed as well as examples from learners' books of what we do and the note-taking methods we use on a daily basis in various subjects.

Thanks for reading!