Essentials Student Notebook Guidelines and Suggestions
Here are some thoughts and suggestions for instructing parents on Essentials Student Notebooks. Remember our
goal as tutors is to equip the parent as she knows what will best work for her child.
What is the purpose of a Student Notebook? The purpose of the student notebook is to help a child keep all of his
Essentials work organized at home, in the car, or wherever you homeschool.
What should go in a Student Notebook? With the purpose in mind, a parent needs to ask, what does my child need in
his notebook? This can change from year to year as he develops and grows.
What’s appropriate for a child in keeping with the classical model? What should go into my child’s notebook that will
promote classical learning?
After asking these questions I realize that there are some basic parts to any student notebook:
EEL Section
IEW Section
Math section (perhaps)
What goes in the following sections? These are merely suggestions. Know that my approach to the Student Notebook
follows the KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie) method. Less is more. This is a classical concept that has taken me a long time
to grasp.
EEL:
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o
o
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A place for copying charts: the most classical approach is a one subject spiral notebook where a student
can copy a chart onto a blank piece of paper.
A place for analytical tasks: a copy of the Analytical Task Sheet in a page protector or several copies of
the Analytical Task Sheets or even just blank notebook paper where he can follow the task sheet model
(best for experienced students)
A place for class notes (depending on the age of the child)
Various pages from EEL Guide (Scope and Sequence, Mastery Chart Checklist, etc.) Keep this simple,
especially for new moms. If you offer suggestions, then have her go through the EEL Guide herself to
determine which pages are useful it will help her become familiar with the guide.
Essentials Program Team 2014
IEW:
o
o
o
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A place for KWO and rough drafts: this can be put in a spiral notebook or use loose leaf. KWOs can also
be done in the HBW book as well.
A few page protectors for final papers and checklists: This is a great way to keep all the parts of a
writing assignment together in one place
Current writing schedule in a page protector
Various pages from the TWSS and SRN--List of Structures (TWSS pg. 3) and Stylistic Techniques (SRN pg.
5-6), copies of SV, QA, Ly words, etc. (copies from SRN or TWSS if wanted or the IEW Folding Walls). If
you offer suggestions, then have her go through the EEL Guide herself to determine which pages are
useful it will help her become familiar with these resources.
Math: Board Slam board, other math game needs, if wanted.
Miscellaneous Items:
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If placed in a 3 ring binder, the English Grammar, Quid et Quo and Math Trivium Tables could be put in
the front pocket
A notebook pencil case is nice to hold a pen/pencil, an eraser, a dry erase marker and vocabulary cards.
In closing, the Essentials Student Notebook is best designed by the teacher/parent. There are plenty of suggestions on
CC Connected. When looking at options, just ask yourself a few questions:
1. Does this set up and promote classical learning?
2. Does it easily give a child a place to practice the grammatical arts of repetition, duration and intensity?
3. Will this overwhelm a new mom with a lot of photo copying?
4. What is truly necessary for the child?
Our vision is the best compass in determining what is appropriate. Does it help us to know God and make Him known?
Does it use classical tools? Does it equip the parent and encourage the student? Use this as your guide.
Essentials Program Team 2014