Reference Binders

An Interactive Tool for Success in Every Classroom!

presented by Samantha Iliff, Plano ISD

What is a Reference Binder?

• It is a portable guide for your students to take from class to class, offering help and support as needed.

What does it look like?

• In my classroom, I use black binders. They were a donation from a company that was going to throw them away.

• If you don’t have binders, you can use:– Pocket folders– File folders– Folded construction paper– Get creative…

What’s the point?

• Interactive tool• Supports differentiated learning• Tailored to your specifications• Individualized for each student and

their success

How do I get started?

Materials Needed:• Binders• Colored Folders or Construction Paper• Colored Sticky Notes• 3 Ring Hole Puncher• Dividers• Index Cards• Index Card Pocket Folders

Color Coding

• School Procedures• Math• Reading/Language Arts• Science• Social Studies• Social Skills• Miscellaneous

** I color code the subjects based on the color of their textbooks, and use it throughout the classroom

– in assignments, learning targets, etc…

What to put in your binders?

• First and foremost…Put things that benefit your students!If you put something in there, and it’s not

working, take it out. This is truly a customizable tool that you

design and control to make it what it needs to be for your students.

What to put in your binders?

• File folders and/or dividers, color coded with the subjects

• Information within the subject areas to help students

• Vocabulary words for the week, month, or unit

• Personal incentive plans for student success

Curriculum AssociatesQuick Word Series

• Great resource for all classrooms!• Quick Word • Quick Spell• Quick Math• Quick Write

If you are interested in learning more about Quick Word, or any other CA products, see Pat McGee at the Curriculum Associates booth here at the BEAM Conference.

Ideas for School Procedures

• Pledge of Allegiance – US and Texas• List of School Rules/Guidelines• Hand Signals Chart

Ideas for Math

• Vocabulary Sticky Notes or Cards• Strategies for Solving Problems• Multiplication Chart• Quick Math

• TAKS/STAAR Math Chart for your students’ grade level

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index3.aspx?id=3262&menu_id=793

Ideas for Reading/Language Arts

• Reading Strategies• Vocabulary Sticky Notes or Cards • Writing Timeline• List of Frequently Misspelled Words• Grammar Rules• Quick Word

Ideas for Science

• Vocabulary Sticky Notes or Cards• Science Ruler• Picture Glossary of Frequently Used

Science Materials• Science Lab Rules

Ideas for Social Studies

• Vocabulary Sticky Notes or Cards• Map of Texas/USA/World• Geography Glossary• Timeline Graphic Organizer

Ideas for Social Skills

• List of Life Skills to master• Goal Setting worksheets

Ideas for Miscellaneous

• Daily Behavior Charts• Daily Schedule• Attendance Chart• Sticker Charts• Personal Motivational Quotes• Anything that is specific to the

student and doesn’t fit in any other category

Vocabulary! Vocabulary!

• Vocabulary cards should be developed to suit you and your class.

1. Sticky notes – Color coded, put sticky notes on dividers for each subject

2. Index Cards – Color code with a marker, and put either in zipper bags or index card pockets attached to the corresponding divider

Vocabulary! Vocabulary!

• Either have students prepare the cards, or prepare them in advance to put in Reference Binder.

• Can be used as review or reteach, vocab word sorts, making connections between subject areas, etc…

• Once word has been successfully mastered, it can go into a separate bag or envelope to be reviewed periodically.

Make and Take!

• At each table, we will be preparing a sample Reference Binder.

• Depending on how many attend this presentation, we may have to raffle off the binders.

• Everyone will receive a copy of the power point, and handouts that are in the sample binder to take back and incorporate into their own binder.

Variations on the Binder

• The BFF• The Reference Folder• The Holdable Foldable• Get creative and customize this for

YOU! The Reference Binder was developed out of necessity to be a supplementary support to my students. Put it to work for your students.

Extra Resources - Websites• http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/

index.html• http://www.discoveryeducation.com/free-

puzzlemaker/?CFID=11775492&CFTOKEN=40358577

• http://bogglesworldesl.com/worksheets.htm• http://www.curriculumassociates.com/default.asp

• http://www.online-stopwatch.com/full-screen-stopwatch/

• http://www.spellingcity.com/• http://worksheetplace.com/

Contact Information

Samantha Iliffsamantha.iliff@pisd.eduPlano ISD

Course Credits Code: MI12452011

Thank you for choosing this presentation! I hope you enjoyed it!