When setting up your classroom for the new school year, it’s easy to get caught up in desk arrangements, bulletin boards, or the logistics of where students will turn in their assignments. But one of the most important decisions you can make—especially in a middle school setting—is how your students will organize and store their class materials.
Will they use folders? A section of a larger binder? A spiral notebook they grab from their locker? For middle schoolers, this kind of freedom often leads to a disorganized mess. In my early years of teaching, I left organization up to the students – and I quickly learned that wasn’t going to work. Too many class minutes were wasted as students searched for materials, went to lockers, or started from scratch because they had lost their notes entirely.
Over time, I experimented with two main systems: student binders and interactive notebooks. I’ve used interactive notebooks (INBs) in Resource ELA classes, and now use student binders in Resource Math and ELA. Each system has its pros and cons, and the “right” choice may depend on your teaching style, your students’ needs, and your classroom space.
Are binders better?
Student binders have become my go-to for organizing content-heavy classes like math. I like to think of the binders as a build-your-own textbook that grows with students throughout the year. Here’s why I prefer them:
- Full-size pages: With binders, I can use standard 8.5×11 worksheets, handouts, and graphic organizers. When I used composition notebooks, I had to scale everything down to 80% to make it fit – and for students who struggle with fine motor skills or visual processing, smaller print can be a big barrier.
- Quick and clean organization: It’s much faster to hole-punch and insert a page than to trim and glue. Plus, it keeps mess to a minimum – no glue sticks, no drying time, and fewer sticky desks.
- Built-in supply station: A zippered pouch in the front of the binder can hold essentials like pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, or even index cards. This cuts down on time spent passing out supplies every class period.
- Easy to rearrange: Binders allow you and your students to reorganize materials as needed—whether you’re grouping notes by unit, inserting extra practice pages, or replacing damaged materials.
That said, binders come with a few downsides. They’re bulky and take up more space than notebooks, which can be a challenge if you’re trying to store a full class set in the classroom. They can also fall apart more easily, especially if students are rough with the rings or lose the covers. Sometimes, my students forget to close the rings, leading to all the papers falling out, or just shove papers into the pockets.
But notebooks are nice, too!
Interactive notebooks offer their own set of benefits, and I still think they’re a fantastic tool – especially for classes focused on creativity, writing, or building reference tools like anchor charts.
Here’s why you might choose INBs:
- No loose papers: Since pages are glued in, there’s no risk of losing important materials—or finding them crumpled at the bottom of a backpack.
- Compact storage: Interactive notebooks take up less space than binders. You can store a full class set in a crate, drawer, or paper sorter without much hassle.
- Built-in writing space: Most notebooks include lined pages, so students can easily jot down extra notes, reflections, or diagrams without needing a printed handout.
- Encourages ownership: Many students enjoy decorating or customizing their notebooks. That personal touch can make them more invested in their learning tool.
However, gluing can be time-consuming and messy, and you’re limited by the size of the notebook. This can be frustrating if you have content-rich pages that just don’t shrink well or if students need more space to work.
So…which one should you use?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few guiding questions to help you decide:
- Do your students need more structure? Binders might be better for students who struggle with organization and benefit from clear sections and built-in supply storage.
- Do you have limited classroom space? Interactive notebooks are easier to store and transport.
- Will students mostly write or mostly use handouts? If your class involves lots of printed notes or practice pages, binders will make your life easier. If your class leans toward reflection, journaling, or creative responses, INBs might be a better fit.
No matter what system you choose, the most important thing is to teach students how to use it consistently. Set routines, model organization strategies, and build in time for maintenance. Whether it’s a binder or a notebook, the goal is the same: to give students a reliable structure for keeping track of their learning.
In the end, binders and interactive notebooks are just tools—but the right tool can make your classroom run more smoothly and help your students feel more successful.
Grab Free Covers for Your Notebooks or Binders!
If you’re looking for a simple way to get started with either system, I’ve created free printable covers for Math interactive notebooks or student binders. These covers help students personalize their materials and quickly identify them in a busy backpack or binder. You can find them in my Freebie Library –
just head to the Free Resources section of my blog, sign up, and get instant access to the covers and more classroom organization tools!
