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KNIGHTS = Keeping Necessary Information and Goals Handy for Terrific Students
A KNIGHTS binder is a 3-ring binder/notebook that holds everything the students and parents need to keep updated on classroom and school events! No more lost notes, lost homework, or missing lunch money!
No more looking all over the house to find paper to write the teacher a note! EVERYTHING a student and parent needs is in one notebook!
Why is it important to have one?
This notebook helps students to establish good organizational skills as well as teach them responsibility. The children really enjoy using the KNIGHTS binders. It is a wonderful way to keep communication open between the teacher and parents.
Every morning, the class goes through their binders. Any important papers are turned in and the children let me know if they have a note from home.The following is a list of materials and a description of everything that is found in our K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder: agenda book, one two-pocket hole punched folder, one clear plastic sleeve, and 5 tab dividers.
Agenda Book
This is where students write down their daily homework assignments.
Monthly Math, Reading, and Coin Calendars and Reading Log
This section holds a clear plastic sleeve that includes the daily Math/Reading/Coin Calendars which needs to be signed each school night, as well as the reading log that the students use to record the books they read throughout the month.
Math/Reading/Coin Calendars:
Front: Students are to record their daily reading, mark a check if xtra math has been completed, and record their banking balance on the monthly Math/Reading calendar. (Please initial this calendar each night.)Inside: The Coin Calendar is located inside the log. It is here that students will share with you the amount of "money" they earned during the school day.Back: We ask that the students record the books they read each night. This record will be used to determine if your child is reading multi-genre books in each marking period.Important Notes or Papers from School
This section includes a two-pocket folder. The left side pocket of the folder is for any papers that are to be returned to school. The right side pocket of the folder is for any papers that are to be kept at home.
Math Drill/Homework
This section is behind the tab labeled Math. It includes the 3-minute timed math drills which are assigned daily (Monday - Thursday) for homework. In addition, the homework packet for the current chapter’s unit of study is also kept here.
Banking
This section is behind the tab labeled Banking. Students will keep track of their monthly earnings AND record all their withdrawals and deposits throughout the year.
KNIGHTS BOOK RULES:
DO:
Take very good care of your KNIGHTS binder. It will be used throughout the entire school year.
Clean out the "keep at home" folder every evening.Take your KNIGHTS binder home every day and bring it with you to school in the morning.Keep your KNIGHTS binder clean. Please do not eat or drink while using it.
Show your KNIGHTS binder to your parents each day. They will be so proud that you are learning responsibility!
DO NOT:
Make any marks or drawings in your KNIGHTS binder.
Leave your KNIGHTS binder at home, daycare, or on the bus or car. You are responsible for bringing your KNIGHTS every day!
Let anyone borrow your KNIGHTS binder or tear any pages out of it. Everything should stay in your book.
Put any papers in your KNIGHTS that DO NOT belong there.
Reading Log
Reading Log Side:
Date: Determine the genre of the book you are reading and write the date you start the book on the appropriate genre line. Notice this is a small space, so it can be written using numbers, like: 9-8-12. Please note the date ONLY needs to be filled in on the day you begin the book.
All the genres are listed in chart form on the back of this paper.
Title: Write the title of the book you read. Remember, when writing the title of a book, it must be capitalized and underlined.
Example: Stone Fox
Author: Write the author of the book on the line provided. Remember to capitalize the author’s first and last name as well as the middle initial if provided.
Remember to read for at least 15 minutes EACH night.
Reading/Math Calendar Directions
Reading
Daily Reading - Pages Read: Each school night, read for the recommended 15 minutes, then record the pages you read on the corresponding day’s date on the calendar. Your entry should look like this:
Pgs. 16 – 24 (if you read part of a chapter)
Raz Kids - Read ONE Raz-Kids book each day for two weeks and complete the handouts provided. Children will be assessed by their knowledge of the book. This book can be used for the reading log.
Math
Math Facts: Complete a fact fluency drill on xtramath each night, and mark this as completed on the front page of the homework log.
Coin Calendar Chart Directions
Students are asked to share the stamp(s) that they receive in school with their parent(s) each night. The front of a coin stamp is used for homework and the back of a coin stamp is used for behavior. Anytime a coin is not earned, a number/numbers will be written on the line on the calendar indicating the reason for the unearned coin. The numbers reflect the following:
- Seek help when appropriate
7. Demonstrates self-control
- Works well independently
8. Completes classwork
- Demonstrates problem-solving skills
9. Prepared for class
- Completes homework
10. Respectful
- Keeps desk area and materials organized
11. Other:
- Writes legibly
We kindly ask that you discuss the coins your child earns each school day.
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K.N.I.G.H.T.S. Binder Contract and Pledge
KNIGHTS Binder ContractDear Parents/Guardians,
Congratulations! This year your child is learning to be organized and responsible with their very own K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder. Please go through each section of the K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder with your child and familiarize yourself with its layout and expectations. Be sure to read the letters found in BOTH the Reading Log and Banking sections as well. These letters explain our nightly reading assignment and classroom management system in detail.
After you have perused the binder, be sure to discuss the important Do’s and Don’ts below:
K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder Do’s and Don’ts
q Please do NOT draw or doodle in or on your K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder. Treat it with respect. Take good care of your K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder, you will have it all year!
q Please do NOT let any of your friends have anything out of your K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder. Our class is SO lucky and special, that we are using these binders. You have a unique and special privilege!
q Please do NOT put any supplies or heavy items in your money pocket.
q Use your K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder! It is your useful, organizational tool. If you listen and put the papers and other items into the designated area, you will be organized! Every paper has a home...your backpack should be neat.
q Keep it clean. Try not to eat or drink anything near it. Remember, this binder needs to last you the whole school year.
q Bring your K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder home with you every night and bring it back to school every morning. When you have completed your homework at home, immediately put it back into your K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder.
q Share your K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder with your family every day. They will be so proud of your wonderful organizational skills!
Please complete the pledge on the attached paper and return to school.
Enjoy and care for your K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder!
K.N. I.G.H.T.S Binder Pledge
I _________________________________, (student’s name) have shown my parents/guardians my K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder and have discussed the expectations and responsibilities that come along with owning it. I have also read the Reading Log and Banking letters with my parents as well as read the K.N.I.G.H.T.S Binder Do’s and Don’ts. Therefore, I promise to take good care of my K.N.I.G.H.T. S Binder and bring it to school every day. I know that it will help me learn to become responsible and organized.
