Reader's Toolkit (*FREEBIE*)

Yesterday I gave my review and thoughts on Guiding Readers Chapter 2 and mentioned at the very end about Lori Rog's Reader's Toolkit.  So of course after reading what she had to say about their effectiveness, I had to make my own!  Her Reader's Toolkit is a little bit different in that she spiral binds it (like a book) to hold a little golf pencil.  Really, there are so many different ways to create them and I would love to hear your thoughts and see your Reader's Toolkit!

To create my Reader's Toolkit I simply took a colored file folder and cut it in half.  I also trimmed off the tab so that all edges were straight.  On the inside left I placed three different sizes of sticky notes (you could put anything you want) and I might add some paper clips later on if the lessons call for them.  On the inside right I glued a chart reminding students when it is appropriate to use sticky notes, because let's face it, those suckers are expensive and I don't want kids getting too "sticky happy" throughout the whole year! ;o)  As you can tell, I'm being my regular OCD self and I rounded the corners on the chart once I saw the pictures, LOL.  The back is left blank and to be used as a sticky note holder if for some reason they cannot take their text with them.

If you click on the images below you will be able to download both the front cover and sticky note reminder chart.  I only made 15 of these for my guided reading groups instead of one per student.  Writing down our thoughts while we're reading is definitely a skill (and great strategy) and one I will be teaching to the whole class but reinforcing a lot with my small groups.

 

Do you have your own version of a Reader's Toolkit?  If so I want to hear (and see) all about it!  And totally off topic... Have y'all seen Craft Wars?!?!?!  I AM LOVING IT!!!!!

Sabra