[musicminded]

Could someone explain to me what a moose binder is? I think someone else has refered to them as a TEAM notebook. I may be interested in using them this Fall.

Thanks in advance.

[Steph/4/TX]

I used them for years when I taught kinder. MOOSE stands for Managing Our Organizational Skills Everyday. I used 1" three-ring binders that had the plastic around the outside so you could slide papers into it. I put cute covers there with the kid's name. Inside, on the pockets in the binder, I put stickers that said "LEFT at home" and Bring RIGHT back." This helped the parents know what they kept and what they didn't. Inside the binder I had several sections that were just sheet protectors with address labels on them that I had printed with the title of each section. These are the sections I used:
School Calendar & Homework Calendar: I put these back-to-back in one sheet protector
School Notes
Teacher Notes
Reading Log
I also had a zipper pouch at the front that held pencils, crayons, etc. for use with homework. This also served as a place where parents could put money so it wouldn't fall out.
At the very back I had a spiral notebook that was a communication log. Anytime notes needed to go from me to the parents or vice versa, this is where they went. This gave me year-long documentation of behavior issues and communication.
If I were to use them in 4th, I would also have the kids keep their planners inside the binders and maybe just do loose-leaf paper instead of a spiral so it would all fit!
I know lots of people use them and everyone does it a little differently. If you google MOOSE binders (or notebooks or folders, etc.) you will find a TON of websites with info about it!
Hope that helps!!

[sportyteach]

pretty much summed it up. I used them with my 4th graders this year but ours were HORNETS...Having Organized Resources Now and Everyday Teaches Success. I had some of the same things in mine that Steph/4/tx mentioned. It worked pretty well for me.

[musicminded]

I really appreciate the info. I find that 4th graders really need guidance in the organization department and I think this will work. One complaint I usually get from some parents is that papers and important notes just do not make it home. It is worth a try.