Conferring Notebook

Like all the teachers I know, I've tried many different ways of keeping notes of my conferring. I have tried the big 3-ring binder. I found it to be too bulky to carry around. I've tried notecards on a clipboard that flip up for each child, but I was also carrying a couple other folders with me too with other information I needed. I have to say, the nerd in me was uber excited when I realized that I could create my own notebook with everything I wanted to be spiral bound. Office Depot spiral bound it with sturdy black backing and clear cover for less than $4. I love it because with a spiral I can flip it back on itself and it doesn't take up much room.

Here are some photos:

This record helps me keep track of how many conferences I've done.  I can see at a glance who I haven't seen in a while, and as you can see fair is not always equal.  Students who need more help get seen more often. 

Here are the conferring pages I use.  I've chosen to try doing reading and writing all in one notebook.  We'll see how it goes.  I might color code reading one color and writing another.

Behind all the student pages, I've also included a copy of the CAFE menu (from the Two Sisters-creators of Daily 5 and CAFE), list of reading behaviors to expect from each level, and list of conferring topics specific to each reading level. 

Students who also get seen by a reading specialist have pages like these in their own separate folders so that the reading specialist and myself can both access and take notes on the same paper, creating instant communication on what we've been focusing on for each child.

What works for me, may not work for you. You need to decide on which conferring style fits YOU.  Whatever way you choose to take notes on your reading and writing conferences, the important this is that you are doing it.  They provide vital records that should play a big role in influencing your teaching.

Happy conferring!