Notebooking Ideas

Studies show worksheets and quizzes are ineffective and unproductive. As educators, we should use methodologies that employ creativity to increase retention and develop a love for learning. Instead of the typical assignments, use these alternatives to bring your child’s learning to life. This is how we create children who produce rather than children who consume.

 Each of these assignments will engage the creative centers of a child’s brain while he makes, writes, creates, or illustrates using his imagination to express his learning. Science and research show that using creativity will form neural connections and develop long-term retention on the subject as well as sharpen a child’s inborn creativity.

 After reading a book, or learning a lesson in history, science, or any other subject, choose one of these unique activities for your child to imaginatively express learning.

Creative Assignments to Replace Worksheets

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·      minib0oks: matchbook, accordion book, lift-the-flap book, fan books, pop-up books

·     commemorative stamp

·       advertisement

·       wanted poster

·       travel brochure

·       mini books (lap books)

·       news article

·       letter to the editor

 ·       letter as the person

 ·       journal entry

·       newsletter

·       comic strip

·       movie storyboard

·       short story

·       theatrical play

·       alphabet book

·       acrostic

·       mnemonic

·       Venn diagram

·       diagram and label

·       paper bag book

·      leaf book

·       puzzle of an illustration

·       word and definition puzzle pieces

·       informational cootie catcher

·       maze

·       PowerPoint

·       book jacket

·       collage

·       board game

·       haiku

 ·       concrete found poem

 ·       card game

 ·       flashcards

 ·       postcard

 ·       album cover

        create a quiz

·       create a worksheet

·       write a speech

·       puppets

·       paper people (paper dolls)

·       graffiti art

·       timeline

·       flowchart

·       outline

·       graphic novel page

·       character to-do list

·       yearbook of characters

·       PSA

·       trading cards

·       letter to the author

·       letter to a character or historical figure

 ·       mind map

·       infographic

·       poem  

·       obituary

·       add to story with fan fiction

·       word collage

·       book review with stars