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I saw my students for the first time on Monday. The first day of my gifted class is traditionally the day to decorate your journal. (Some people call them notebooks, but I have always called them journals.) I bring in decorative paper, magazines, stamps, stickers, and this year, washi tape. The students have full freedom of choice about how they decorate their journals.
I love this as the first day activity for a few reasons. One is it allows us the time to sit around the table and talk casually. I decorate as well, so we are working together. I also love how this simple activity tells me so much about my students, how they work on a project, what interests them, and how they handle creativity. Perfection can be an issue with gifted kids, so this project helps me see these types of characteristics. And also it’s just fun, so kids are excited to come to gifted class every day.
My journal for 2018-2019. I incorporated cards and stickers from friends to make my space personal.
When a sea turtle is too large for your cover, use it on the back and turn it sideways.
Sticky note leaf shapes become a palm tree for this Queen Writer.
Daniel was not discouraged when a magazine cut out didn’t work. He found this cat that he liked much better. There are no mistakes.
Rainbows and washi tape!
If this first day is any indication, this is going to be a good year!
Reflections on the Teche 
What a lovely beginning to your year! I love all the individuality you’ve showcased in your photos. You have me thinking about how important it is to personalize writing notebooks. I’m curious–did you invite students to bring in their own “mementos” in addition to what you provided?
I didn’t because this was our first day but I showed them how they can add throughout the year. We cover them with packaging tape which makes them more durable.
Starting on day one with notebooks is a powerful statement! Happy new school year!
Calling your writing notebooks “journals” does indeed change things. And I love the fact that the students decorate and personalize on the first day! You are creating quite the writing tone in your room right from the get go!
What a great way to start the year. So many messages for them about what you value and so much for you to observe. I love their choices – any year that starts with turtles, cats, rainbows and washi tape has real promise!