Let's get interactive!
I think in our day and age, it's hard to not find something that's not interactive in some way. I mean in my graduate classes, they would always teach us that a lesson should speak in multiple ways because we all receive information in different ways. Sorry, nerdy moment. Anyhooo, I wanted to share something that I learned at my first teaching job but I've applied it to daily life. It's something that is called an interactive notebook!
So you know back in the day when you were in school, you would always have to drag along the same notebook all year. If you were anything like me, I would color code the notebooks by class and sometimes did it with my colored pens (I know another nerd alert). I just remember seeing the bright colors and making me have a moment of joy before my thoughts would get droned out with my professor's voice. Anyways, now they encourage students to get more interactive with their notebooks so that it's not just seen as a dreadful thing we fill with the doodles (let's be honest) while our teacher is lecturing.
An interactive notebook is something like a mix between a notebook/binder and a scrapbook. In my own classroom, I would hand the students a worksheet to place in it or a cut out and they would glue it in the proper page. They would have an assignment of some kind that goes along with it to ensure that they are learning the lesson. It's a combination of colors, motion, and writing! It's a fun way for them to embrace their inner kid and allow themselves to forget a little bit longer that they are in their class learning.
I found that this is not just a great idea in the classroom, but in life as well! If you're a fellow journalist or a scrapbooker, then you this will go easier for you. Honestly though, it can be for anyone, regardless of skill level, that wants to express themselves through various ways all in one format.
Here is an example of what an interactive notebook could look like (but remember, the sky's the limit!)
Don't be afraid to use colors and doodle in your interactive notebook/journal. I like to add keepsakes or pictures of the time that I'm talking about and write around the sides.
Using post-its as tabs for different sections keeps your notebook organized if you want to use this as a planner. Add labels or stickers to make it more personalized!
Different variations can be creating flaps. This is an example from my job but a fun idea can be a picture and then underneath a short memo on where or when the picture was taken.
For bigger pieces of paper/mementos, create a folder by simply folding down one corner and then gluing the edges of the folded paper to the next paper. You can write on the folder or off to the side. I think this is a great idea for a recipe book and if you had clippings from a magazine you can place them in your personalized pocket!
I hope this is a fun and new idea that can spark some creativity in your own life. It can be used for anything and I made a few suggestions earlier but feel free to comment or share the ideas that you come up with! I find that the best way to get creative to give yourself a blank "canvas" and let your creativity just flow on it. Don't get restricted by norms or store-bought templates. Embrace your inner child and see where it takes you!
Happy interacting!
MJ Nam
So you know back in the day when you were in school, you would always have to drag along the same notebook all year. If you were anything like me, I would color code the notebooks by class and sometimes did it with my colored pens (I know another nerd alert). I just remember seeing the bright colors and making me have a moment of joy before my thoughts would get droned out with my professor's voice. Anyways, now they encourage students to get more interactive with their notebooks so that it's not just seen as a dreadful thing we fill with the doodles (let's be honest) while our teacher is lecturing.
An interactive notebook is something like a mix between a notebook/binder and a scrapbook. In my own classroom, I would hand the students a worksheet to place in it or a cut out and they would glue it in the proper page. They would have an assignment of some kind that goes along with it to ensure that they are learning the lesson. It's a combination of colors, motion, and writing! It's a fun way for them to embrace their inner kid and allow themselves to forget a little bit longer that they are in their class learning.
I found that this is not just a great idea in the classroom, but in life as well! If you're a fellow journalist or a scrapbooker, then you this will go easier for you. Honestly though, it can be for anyone, regardless of skill level, that wants to express themselves through various ways all in one format.
Here is an example of what an interactive notebook could look like (but remember, the sky's the limit!)
I hope this is a fun and new idea that can spark some creativity in your own life. It can be used for anything and I made a few suggestions earlier but feel free to comment or share the ideas that you come up with! I find that the best way to get creative to give yourself a blank "canvas" and let your creativity just flow on it. Don't get restricted by norms or store-bought templates. Embrace your inner child and see where it takes you!
Happy interacting!
MJ Nam
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