How to Create a History Binder (for the organizationally challenged)

I am great at making grand plans and coming up with fabulous ideas. But if I’m honest with myself, I struggle with follow-through. Can you relate?

I knew when I purchased The Mystery of History supplemental downloads, I needed to take steps to make sure I used them well, or quite honestly, they might end up sitting in a folder on my desktop. I needed to create a history binder.

I’ve already written extensively about the benefits of the downloads, how to store and use them, tips for teaching with them, etc.

• Take The Mystery of History Farther With Notebooking Pages
• Storing, Organizing, and Saving The Mystery of History Downloads
• Tips for Teaching The Mystery of History
• Adding Mapping Activities for The Mystery of History With WonderMaps
• Using The Mystery of History Downloads with Multiple Ages and Learning Styles

What is a history binder?

In its simplest form, a history binder is a three ring binder to file what you learned in your history lessons. The Mystery of History encourages you to make and keep one organized by continent/country. However, when I began using the downloads, I realized I needed a different set up.

I spent an entire day printing each download I wanted to use for each of my three children. Then I hole punchednd arranged the printables in the binders. In the end, I had a binder full of blank notebooking pages, coloring pages, and review questions waiting to be filled in.  Additionally, we can file extra pages that we do—maps that we print, projects that we do—right there with the accompanying lesson pages.

How should I organize my history binder?

I pondered this for several moments myself before deciding on a system. The kids each have slightly different notebooks because of age, but this is the basic set up.

• table of contents page (to be filled out as the lessons are completed to account for extra maps added)
• the coloring page for the three lessons in the chapter
• the pre-test for the chapter
• the notebooking page for the first lesson in the chapter
• the question pages for the first lesson in the chapter
• repeat notebooking then question page for the second and third chapters
• the What Did You Miss? page for the chapter
• the next coloring page for the next chapter

Then  I repeat that order for the successive chapters. If you don’t print the pre-test and review page for the chapters beforehand, you can add them and other maps and activities as you encounter each lesson. We actually do the pretests orally, or looking at the page in the book together, so we don’t print those at all. Set the binder up to suit your needs and teaching style.

Other Tips For Setting Up Your Binder for The Mystery of History

Your printed downloads are going to require a rather large binder. The thick stack of papers inside could also make it a little difficult to use. Here are a few tips to making using the binder manageable.

• Invest in a three-inch binder that’s designed to close easily with a large stack of papers inside.
• Choose a binder with pockets on the cover and spine so you can label the notebook clearly. (Print the cover page of the coloring pages if you purchased them to slide in the cover of the notebook.)
• Use a sheet protector with a stiff piece of paper in it as a bookmark. Move the sheet protector to your current spot in the notebook as you work through it.
• Use dividers to separate the four quarters of the book.
• Keep hole reinforcement stickers handy. You’re bound to need them at some point!

The Benefit of the Binder

Why do all this? If you’re organizationally challenged, a day spent prepping and organizing can make a world of difference later. If you love to organize, well, you’ll love this project anyway. The best part about taking the time to organize the downloads into the binder is that they are ready and available to use when needed. Everything is together in one place with room for extra maps and writing assignments. At the end of the volume, we’ll have a great review of our year.

Browse The Mystery of History Category in the Store