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Notebook check rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This notebook check rubric scores the habits a good notebook shows in any subject: entries that are complete, dated and in order, notes a reader can follow, and corrections and reflection added after feedback. It scores habits only, never supplies, so a plain notebook and a pencil can earn full marks. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points; K–2 uses three levels with no points. Print it, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.

Written for Peabody Teach. Checked . Free to print, copy and change.

Notebook check rubric, grades K–2

3 levels, 4 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Notebook check rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
All my pagesEvery page is finished.Most pages are finished.Many pages are not finished yet.
Date and orderEvery page has the date and is in order.Most pages have the date.My pages have no dates yet.
Easy to readA friend can read every page.A friend can read most pages.My pages are hard to read.
I fix itI fix every mark my teacher made.I fix some marks.I do not fix my work yet.
Open in the maker
  • I can finish every page.
  • I can write the date and keep pages in order.
  • I can write so others can read it.
  • I can fix my work when my teacher marks it.

Notebook check rubric, grades 3–5

4 levels, 4 criteria, 20 points in all.

Notebook check rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 20
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Completecounts ×2Every assigned entry is complete, including notes made up after an absence.Every assigned entry is there, with at most one partly done.Several entries missing or partly done.Most entries missing./ 8
OrganizedEvery entry dated and titled, in order, with a table of contents kept up.Every entry dated and titled, in order.Some entries undated or out of order.Disorganized./ 4
ReadableNotes are readable, with headings, and key words underlined or boxed.Notes are readable, with headings.Parts are hard to read.Hard to read throughout./ 4
CorrectionsEvery mistake marked is corrected, with a note on what was wrong.Most mistakes marked are corrected.Few corrections made.No corrections./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can keep every assigned entry in my notebook.
  • I can date, title and keep entries in order.
  • I can write notes that I can study from later.
  • I can go back and fix my work after feedback.

Notebook check rubric, grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Notebook check rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Completenesscounts ×2Every entry complete, missing work made up without reminders, and extra notes added where useful.Every entry complete, missing work made up.Several entries incomplete or missing.Most entries missing./ 8
OrganizationDated, titled, numbered pages with a current table of contents; any page found in seconds.Dated, titled entries with a table of contents.Some entries undated or out of order.Disorganized./ 4
Note qualityNotes capture main ideas in the student's own words, with examples, questions and a summary.Notes capture main ideas with headings.Notes are copied word for word or incomplete.Few notes are taken./ 4
RevisionCorrects every marked item, explains the error, and adds notes that close the gap.Corrects marked items.Corrects some items.No corrections./ 4
ReflectionUnit reflections name specific learning, a remaining question and a plan.Unit reflections name what was learned.Reflections are brief or vague.No reflections./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can keep a complete record of the class's work.
  • I can organize my notebook so I can find anything quickly.
  • I can take notes that capture the main ideas in my own words.
  • I can use feedback to correct and add to my notes.
  • I can reflect on what I learned and what I still need.

When to use it

  • A quick notebook check every week or two in any subject.
  • An interactive notebook or a composition book checked at the end of a unit.
  • As a self-check: students score their own notebook first, then the teacher scores it.

What to say to students

  • Date every page and keep pages in order.
  • If you were absent, copy the missing notes from a buddy or the class set.
  • Your notebook only needs to be readable. It does not need to be fancy.
  • When I mark something, go back and fix it. Fixes earn points.

Related

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The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.