The AP Binder

Your binder will be the "go-to" place for both you and me. Periodically I will ask you to leave your binders so that I may grade them. Some assignments will not be collected - I will look for them in your binder. Not all binder collections will be announced in advance!

WHY A BINDER? (instead of a notebook) - Reason #5 - you can't easily put handouts into a notebook. Reason #4 - you will want to keep your returned work where you can find it -- in your binder! Reason #3 - you will want to arrange your notes and homework in logical order. Reason #2 - you won't have to buy a new notebook for each unit. The  #1 reason - it's a requirement! 

WHAT TO GET:  A 3-ring   2.5"  or 3" binder.   Obtain a "heavy duty" binder, preferably one that has "locking" tabs. You will be using this binder all year, and you do not want to have to struggle with rings that don't quite mesh, or rings that open unexpectedly and fling your papers to the wind!  You'll also want the "view" type binder so that you can insert a new "cover page" for each unit. Expect to pay $5-$6 for a heavy-duty binder.

You will also need to buy loose-leaf binder paper. NOT ACCEPTABLE: a spiral or other notebook "inserted" into the binder!  You may, if you wish, take notes in a spiral notebook, but then you must neatly remove each page and insert into your binder.
   PAGE SIZE: 8.5 X 11 inches. Not smaller! Not larger! I WILL RETURN ASSIGNMENTS NOT WRITTEN ON 8.5"x11" PAPER!

Find index tabs or make your own. Note that each section must be divided by tabs that stick out!

HOW YOU WILL USE THE BINDER: The binder will contain all the material relevant to one unit of study. Units correspond to "Parts" of the America's History textbook.
  
   KEEP YOUR "STUFF" SO THAT YOU CAN STUDY FOR THE AP EXAM!!!!  I suggest putting each completed unit in a large envelope, or in a separate "giant binder" that will hold a semester's worth of material. LABEL the envelope/binder so  you can find it again ! 

HOW TO DIVIDE THE BINDER: Use TABS (that stick out) to divide each section. Each section must be labeled on its Tab. Note that "numbered indexes" are not OK. The name of the section must be on the tab.

  • Your binder will have a COVER SHEET - which you will want to slip into the "view" part of the binder's cover. You must have your name on the cover sheet, and your section number.  You will design a new cover for each unit. (Appropriate to the unit under study, of course!) Illustrate freehand or download grafix.
  • Reference Section:  Course outline, syllabus, schedules....  (This section stays in your binder all year.)
  • Lecture notes, class-work notes and in-class assignments.   All pages must be dated (including handouts) and filed in chronological order! This section can be filed "latest on top" or "first to last," but your chronology must be consistently followed!
  • SKILLS section  These are the "workbook"  Skills pages. You can file these in advance. See the Reading Schedule
  • Student NOTES on the Readings:  These are the "as you read" note-taking guides, Cornell notes, and/or SPRITE charts and/or "guided study" guides for each chapter. 
  • Homework - Usually related to preparation for debates, discussions, etc.  Note that this is a separate section from the Student Notes and Reading Guides. "Skills" worksheets will be filed in the SKILLS section.
  • Readings   This section will contain copies of assigned readings that you have downloaded.
  • Returned quizzes (with corrections)
  • Maps.  (This section stays in your binder all year)
  • Court Cases and Important Legislation   (This section stays in your binder all year)
  • PRESIDENTS Section (Keep Index Cards. Many students use a Ziplock bag inserted here for the President Index Cards.) These need to be available for "binder checks."