Ready to dive into interactive notebooks but not sure where to start? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place! This post walks you through a stress-free setup process so you’re ready for success from day one. Keep reading and you’ll find:
- What materials you actually need (with my personal preferences!)
- How to prep notebooks before the first day of school
- The exact printable pages I include at the beginning (covers, expectations, table of contents) and
- Storage tips to fit any classroom space
If you’re looking for a clear, doable plan that gets you organized and confident before students even walk through your classroom door, this is the post for you! Let’s get started:
Step 1: Gather the Right Materials (Without Overbuying)
You don’t need a ton of supplies. A few classroom staples go a long way! Common back-to-school supplies work well with interactive notebooks. Here’s what I personally prefer:
- Composition notebooks over spirals (no torn pages and much neater results)
- Liquid glue over glue sticks (foldable activities actually stay in place!)
- Colored pencils and crayons instead of markers (less bleed-through, easier to manage)
- Fiskars student scissors – durable and easy to grip
- Optional: washi tape, sticky tabs, or post-its for labeling sections
PRO TIP: Ask for supply donations at Open House/Back to School Night or send a quick wishlist email to families. I also like to shop those mid-summer back-to-school sales for a few extras. That way, if a student is still working on gathering materials, we can get started right away without delay.
Step 2: Prep the Notebooks Before Day One
Yup, you read that right. Before your students arrive, take a little time to prepare the structure of your notebooks. Trust me—this makes that first week so much smoother!
- Print and glue on a fun, editable cover page (you’ll find some in my free INB Starter Kit!)
- Reserve the first 2–4 pages for a Table of Contents
- Insert an INB Expectations page to teach routines right from the start
- Decide if you’ll label units with sticky tabs, color-coded sections, or divider pages
Step 3: Use Pages with Purpose
When I set up my INBs, I focus on student clarity and classroom routines. Here’s what I include at the beginning of the school year:
- Cover Page – Gives students a chance to personalize and take ownership
- Expectations Page – A student-friendly reference on how to care for and use the notebook
- Table of Contents – Great for organization and easy grading
I also print a few foldable templates and have them ready to go during week one, usually some goal-setting printables. This allows students to get hands-on practice with their notebooks right away!
Step 4: Set Up Smart Storage
No matter your classroom setup, you can find a way to store INBs that works for your flow:
- Bins or baskets by subject or class period
- Milk crates labeled with student numbers or groups
- Desks or cubbies if space allows
PRO TIP: Assign a notebook/materials manager to pass them out and collect at the end of the day/week! Teach different subjects or sections of students? Color-code the edges on the notebook pages for easy identification.
With a little prep up front, interactive notebooks can become your favorite classroom tool. They help kids stay organized, engaged, and hands-on with their learning.
The best part? Once the structure is in place, interactive notebooks basically run themselves!
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Need additional support? Check out my miniseries all about interactive notebooks!
- 01 – An Introduction to INBs
- 02 – Benefits of INBs
- 03 – How to Manage INBs
- 04 – Essential Supplies for INBs
Still have questions? Don’t be shy; say hi! Leave your comments in the section below.
