• Home
  • Lifestyle & Classroom Blog
  • Teachers Pay Teachers
  • T-shirt Design & More
  • All About Tchr888
  • Contact

TCHR888

Live, Love, Teach

Using Interactive Journals

December 22, 2014

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
0 Shares

I recently read a post on Facebook about what and how do you use interactive journals or if they were just a waste of time in a kindergarten classroom? In a previews post, I talk about how to make an interactive journal for kindergartners, you can click here to read that post. So what are they and how do they work? These are my thoughts, opinions, and reasons,

First of all the main purpose/reason I use interactive journals in kindergarten is to help my students practice, review, and remember concepts and skills we are learning about. This is the primary reason I divide a notebook into sections and color code each section to make students aware of their learning. This makes it easier for students to use, understand, and engage in their learning or “I can statements…” These statements are aligned to common core standards. For example the ELA notebook sections range from foundational skills to writing, and language standards. Then within that section they do and complete activities aligned to that specific set of standards.
At the very beginning of the year students and parents together make one for Language Arts and one for Math. They personalize it, then I have parents “explain” to their child what each notebook is for (after I explain to the parents, what I’m explaining to you in this post.) When we actually start using them, I ask my students, “do you remember the notebooks you made with your mommy or daddy? Guess what! We get to use them today!”
I explain which one they will use and why they are using that one. We end up calling them our “handy dandy notebooks.” I also do this to teach kids organizations skills and also to differentiate for math and reading. I want them to know and understand when we are learning about math concepts or reading concepts; my reasoning for not using just one for everything. I purposely have parents help set them up because it is also an opportunity for parents to be informed about the standards and skills that students need to master by the end of the kindergarten.
  Our activities range from cutting, pasting, matching to writing, synthesizing, and creating. The possibilities are endless. I want to enable students to use them “interactively” meaning if they can go back and reuse them to help them with another assignment they can! At other times, it’s just simply amazing when they flip through their pages and they began to talk about a previous activity and what it “means” or what it was “for.” Hearing students take ownership or be engaged in any activity is every teachers dream come true!
         

Above all, my favorite use for them… they are an easy tool for formative assessments and to show parents their child’s progress through out the year! They are so “interactive” my kids love them and so do I. Interestingly enough as write this post I found this research based supporting article on the use of interactive journals in the classroom! Still curious and not sure about interactive journals? Read along some more.
http://www.ozark.k12.mo.us/cms/lib07/MO01910080/Centricity/Domain/559/Interactive%20Notebooks%20Research.pdf

Supports my own theory, reason, and purpose on how and why to use them and how to set them up!

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
0 Shares

Filed Under: cut and paste actives for composition notebooks, interactive journals, interactive notebook activities, interactive notebooks, kindergarten activities, Uncategorized, using interactive journals 6 Comments

« Black Bears, New Mexico, & Kindergarten
Fourteen in ’14 Linky Party »

Comments

  1. Amanda Campos says

    June 8, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    Are the activities you use for your journals on your tpt page?

    Reply
    • Laura Bryant says

      July 12, 2015 at 11:21 pm

      Hi Amanda, I just saw this 🙁 sorry for the delayed response! The rhyming den is part of my NM Black Bear unit on TPT and the journal template covers are also on there!

      Reply
  2. Natalie Lynn says

    July 13, 2015 at 12:25 am

    I love that you have parents help introduce them! It definitely gets them more involved.
    Natalie
    Collaborating in Kinder

    Reply
    • Laura Bryant says

      July 17, 2015 at 3:36 am

      Hi Natalie, It does involve the parents, it is also eye opening for them when they learn all about the standards and expectations! Great way to expose parents to standards based learning.

      Reply
  3. Abigail Peterson says

    July 13, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    Love this post! I like how you send the notebooks home for parents to help. Can you tell me what you have them do at home?

    Reply
    • Laura Bryant says

      July 17, 2015 at 3:41 am

      Hi Abigail, when they do take them home, it is for parent involvement purposes and an opportunity to either "show off" what they are learning about or practice and reinforce a skill a child maybe struggling with. Parent's appreciate it, keeps them in the loop!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Grab A Button

Grab A Button

Search

Categories

Latest Products

Latest on Instagram

First day of summer break ✨ 17th year in the boo First day of summer break ✨ 17th year in the books. Introducing Ottis to reels 🐶🐾
Restful day ✅
Workout ✅
Homework ✅
Watch a movie or binge watch a show? 📺

——
#maestras #teacherlife #vidademaestra #maestrabilingüe #maestrasdeinstagram #teacher #teachersofinstagram #summervibes☀️
Learning, reflecting, applying! •Leadership is Learning, reflecting, applying! 

•Leadership isn’t about washing your hands of challenges and getting “rid of people so easily”— it’s about rolling up your sleeves and mentoring through them. When leaders avoid hard conversations, they create cultures of gossip, favoritism, and fear.

✨True leadership is about guiding people, not guarding your ego. Let’s build spaces where accountability, growth, transparency, and courage lead the way. 
——————-

#LeadershipDevelopment #tchr888 #teacherappreciationweek #teacher #ministry #MentorNotManage #CultureMatters #LeadWithPurpose #doctoralstudent
✨To my incredible coworkers—thank you for show ✨To my incredible coworkers—thank you for showing up every day with heart, grit, and passion. 
You inspire me with your dedication, your laughter in the chaos, and your commitment to making a difference. 
This week, we celebrate US.
🫶🏼 We truly are a #PowerTeam we laugh, we hustle, and we make magic happen in and out of the classroom.
🥰  Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to the real MVPs! 

#maestras #maestrasdeinstagram #disneyteacher #teachergram #instafit #instateacher #teachersfollowteachers #disneystyle
Today I was one of several teachers honored with t Today I was one of several teachers honored with the Jose Serna Foundation Teacher Impact Award, nominated by my former student, Joel.

In my years of teaching, I’ve been blessed to receive several awards — but this one… this one brought me to tears.
Because when a student, years later, says you made a difference, it hits your heart in a way nothing else can.

Joel, thank you for seeing me, for remembering, and for reminding me why I am a teacher.
It was never about recognition, it is about love, belief, and the hope that somehow, something I gave would stay with my students long after the school year ended. Today, you showed me that it did.
And for that, I will carry this moment forever. Keep shinning Joel, your voice matters! Sigue adelante! 
LCHS football coaches what an incredible impact you are making with our students! Thank you!

#TeacherImpact #GratefulHeart #LegacyOfLove #SernaFoundation #TeachersMatter #FullCircleMoment #maestra #maestrasdeinstagram #teacher #teachers #teachergram
#roadtrips get me Deep in my thoughts. Sharing thi #roadtrips get me Deep in my thoughts. Sharing this one because our sons and Daughters need us!
I hope it inspires you today ✨

Generational faith is a powerful gift—one that is lived, not just taught. As I reflect on 2 Timothy 1:5–6, I’m reminded of the strong women in my life whose faith lit the path for me, my grandmother and mother.

This verse from 2 Timothy resonates deeply with my heart because it reflects the  LEGACY OF FAITH passed down through generations of strong, praying women in my OWN life. 💝 Just like Timothy was shaped by the sincere faith of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, I too have been profoundly formed by the steadfast faith of my grandmother and my mother.

Their quiet strength, their whispered prayers, their unwavering trust in God during both storms and seasons of joy—these have built the foundation of my own faith. I can still remember the way my grandma spoke life through Scripture, the way my mother modeled grace, resilience, and love through every hardship. These women didn’t just believe in God—they LIVED their faith, and their example now echoes in how I raise my own children. ✨

This verse reminds me that the gift of faith is not only inherited, but also ignited. I am called to fan it into flame—to live boldly, serve faithfully, and love deeply, just as they did. And now, I pray that same sincere, burning faith will dwell in my children, carrying on the legacy of faith that was planted generations ago. For His, your Glory and Honor ABBA Father!

To my grandma and mom, Thank you❣️
✨ Happy 14th birthday to our beautiful baby girl ✨ Happy 14th birthday to our beautiful baby girl — You are filled with grace, strength, and a spirit that shines brighter with each passing year. Your middle name reminds us of your purpose — a Princess who leads and commands — and we see it in the way you carry yourself, the love you give, and the determination in your heart.

💕Watching you grow into the young woman God created you to be is the greatest gift. We are so proud of who you are and who you’re becoming. Keep walking in truth, in boldness, and in the knowledge that you are deeply loved.

“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” – Psalm 46:5

✨Keep shining, sweet girl. The world is better with you in it.
Love you — endlessly ❣️
There was a mas shooting in our community last nig There was a mas shooting in our community last night. Victim ages ranged from 16-39, three of them died. 
My own personal children are hurting, my nieces and nephews are too.
Appreciate the beautiful things in Life ✨ I lov Appreciate the beautiful things in Life ✨

I love writing. 
I can sit, write, and flow — I have always wanted a quill and ink set. I found the perfect one. Italia ti Amo 🤍
The timeless elegance of the written word—a tribute to the artistry of expression and the power of wisdom.

✨My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
—Psalms 45:1

May every stroke of the quill I use carry knowledge, inspiration, and truth. Flowing with grace and purpose. 

#tchr888 #maestrasdeinstagram #teacher #teachergram #lavitaebella #lavidaesbella #quillpen #teachersfollowteachers
V1: Vespa, views, and vibes—cruising around Lake V1: Vespa, views, and vibes—cruising around Lake Garda like an Italian dream on two wheels! ☀️🏍️💙 

Laughs ✅
Core Memories ✅
 Vespa Cruise ✅

#CiaoBella #SirmioneScootin #LakeGardaLuxe #springbreak #teachergram #lifestyle #lavitaebella #lakegarda #lakegardaitaly
Follow on Instagram

Latest on Facebook

Tchr888 is in New Mexico.

1 month ago

Tchr888
Learning, reflecting, applying! •Leadership isn’t about washing your hands of challenges and getting “rid of people so easily”— it’s about rolling up your sleeves and mentoring through them. When leaders avoid hard conversations, they create cultures of gossip, favoritism, and fear.✨True leadership is about guiding people, not guarding your ego. Let’s build spaces where accountability, growth, transparency, and courage lead the way. ——————-#LeadershipDevelopment #tchr888 #teacherappreciationweek #teacher #ministry #MentorNotManage #CultureMatters #LeadWithPurpose ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Tchr888 is at Disney Magic Kingdom Orlando.

1 month ago

Tchr888
✨To my incredible coworkers—thank you for showing up every day with heart, grit, and passion. You inspire me with your dedication, your laughter in the chaos, and your commitment to making a difference. This week, we celebrate US.🫶🏼 We truly are a #powerteam we laugh, we hustle, and we make magic happen in and out of the classroom.🥰 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to the real MVPs! #maestras #maestrasdeinstagram #disneyteacher #teachergram #instafit #instateacher #teachersfollowteachers #disneystyle ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Tchr888 is in New Mexico.

2 months ago

Tchr888
Today I was one of several teachers honored with the Jose Serna Foundation Teacher Impact Award, nominated by my former student, Joel.In my years of teaching, I’ve been blessed to receive several awards — but this one… this one brought me to tears.Because when a student, years later, says you made a difference, it hits your heart in a way nothing else can.Joel, thank you for seeing me, for remembering, and for reminding me why I am a teacher.It was never about recognition, it is about love, belief, and the hope that somehow, something I gave would stay with my students long after the school year ended. Today, you showed me that it did.And for that, I will carry this moment forever. Keep shinning Joel, your voice matters! Sigue adelante! LCHS football coaches what an incredible impact you are making with our students! Thank you!#TeacherImpact #GratefulHeart #LegacyOfLove #SernaFoundation #TeachersMatter #FullCircleMoment ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Tchr888

3 months ago

Tchr888
There was a mas shooting in our community last night. Victim ages ranged from 16-39, three of them died. My own personal children are hurting, my nieces and nephews are too. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Tchr888 is at Venesia, Italia.

3 months ago

Tchr888
Appreciate the beautiful things in Life ✨I love writing. I can sit, write, and flow — I have always wanted a quill and ink set. I found the perfect one. Italia ti Amo 🤍The timeless elegance of the written word—a tribute to the artistry of expression and the power of wisdom.✨My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.—Psalms 45:1May every stroke of the quill I use, carry knowledge, inspiration, and truth, flowing with grace, truth, and purpose. #tchr888 #maestrasdeinstagram #teacher #teachergram #lavitaebella #lavidaesbella #quillpen #teachersfollowteachers ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Copyright © 2025 ¡ Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs