Math Scrapbooking - Getting Started

Over the last few months I have had a few inquiries about how I use math scrapbooks in my room. So with a new school year upon us, I figured I would start by telling you how I get them started.

I have been using math scrapbooks as an active engagement tool in my classroom since I started teaching ten years ago. Over time my scrapbooks have definitely evolved and become something I most look forward to starting with my students at the beginning of the year.

I know interactive notebooks are super popular lately, and there are so many amazing resources out there, but I like to think my scrapbooks are a little different. I think of them as an interactive math portfolio, where students demonstrate their learning in a hands-on and unique way. The scrapbook certainly doesn't act as my whole math program, but simply a place for students to "record" their understanding and growth.

I hope to share many ideas with your over the course of this year, and hopefully convince you to do a little math scrapbooking in your own classroom.

So let's get started...

What you need to make a scrapbook in your class:

A notebook (any kind will do), a student, and some ideas.

In the younger grades (4 - 6) I have used the larger 11 x 14 scrapbooks. I find that the blank pages allow for more creativity. 

In the  higher grades (7 and 8), I like to use a traditional 80 page lined notebook.

I make sure that my first activity of the year is something that is personal, engaging and will ease students back into math class. Here is a past blog post about my "Personal Numbers" activity, which becomes the first page in my students' scrapbooks. It makes a great get-to-know-you activity for those first few days back.

During the first few days of school, any time there is some extra time at the end of class, I allow the students to take the time to decorate the covers of their scrapbooks. The only criteria is that they have their name, and "Math Scrapbook" somewhere on the cover, otherwise they can decorate as they like.

You really don't need anything fancy for these scrapbooks, just the basics - coloured paper, glue, scissors. markers, pencil crayons, old magazines, etc.


Being a scrapbooker myself, I like to bring in some stamps, punches, etc, but they are not a necessity.

This year a colleague of mine, decided to have the students use their "Personal Numbers" activity as the cover page. Might have to use that idea in the future!

Stay tuned for more scrapbooking ideas!