Learn how to help students manage paper handouts given to them in class. For years, I struggled, only having minimal success when combining photocopied sheets with notebooks until a student showed me their idea, which took off in my classroom.
Before this, when I needed my students to complete worksheets, gluing them into their notebooks did not work because they would have to continually turn their notebooks to see the sheet at the right angle. A student in one of my math classes thought to staple the top edges of a worksheet to the page and complete work underneath the worksheet.
This stapling technique was a brilliant idea! A notebook page now has a dual purpose where students can reference the worksheet and take notes beneath. Also, when it comes time to study, students no longer lose their worksheets and can quickly reference practice sheet answers.
Managing Paper Handouts – Other Subject Examples
In ELA, students can staple a reading passage into their notebooks. This allows them to highlight and annotate the passage and provides space for notes underneath. You could also attach writing prompts to the notebook and have students brainstorm or outline ideas underneath.
In science class, students can staple any reference materials for a lab or inquiry assignment into their notebooks and record other information, such as their hypotheses, observations, or additional notes, underneath. Or, if students need to use a data table for reference, they can attach it to their notebook and do their work underneath.
In math, this is a fantastic method when students are learning new concepts. They can attach their concept sheet or instructions to their notebook and work sample problems underneath. Or, if you need students to consistently refer to a reference sheet, this is an easy way to always have it at the ready.
In social studies, students can attach readings or primary source documents in their notebooks and then take notes underneath.
No stapler? Here are other ideas for attaching.
Stapling works well for this technique, but it’s not the only way to implement it. This is especially useful when you don’t have a stapler or have run out of staples.
Other creative ways to attach sheets to your notebook include:
- Washi tape, using half of the long side on the worksheet and the other half to attach to the notebook.
- Fold over the top edge and glue it in, similar to how you would attach interactive notebook sheets.
- Paper clips or alligator clips can be useful, but they can weigh down the notebook. These are great if you just need a temporary attachment so students don’t lose their sheets.
If you plan to use a stapler, you can set up a stapling station and provide a classroom stapler to make it accessible to everyone. You can also include clear tape for students to put over the stapled edge to reinforce the page and prevent tearing.
Also, make sure you model the process for your students so they know what to do. They may also have other ideas about how the layout would benefit the assignment or worksheet.
This technique is effective in the classroom and for studying. Since everything is attached to students’ notebooks, they always know where to find their practice work. They can also add additional explanations and colour-code important concepts.
This stapler method not only helps manage the paper monster in the classroom but also helps students become organized. Once they get used to the technique, they might continue to be organized in the classroom.
They can also personalize how they use the method by using tabs or sticky notes or even adding doodles, diagrams, bullet points, or checklists underneath.
Teachers face many frustrating challenges in the classroom, and paper is one of them. Strategies like this will help control paper in the classroom and help your students in the long run as they continue to learn.
For more strategies to manage paper handouts, check out these posts:
- 14 Useful Paper Saving Strategies For Teachers
- Got Paper? Get Goos(e) Paper
- Professional Development Organization: Managing the Overwhelming Paper Load
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