FAQS

What are Foldables® and how do they work?

Foldables are three-dimensional graphic organizers that take complicated data and information and make it visual and kinesthetic. The main idea is written on the outside and supporting facts/supplemental details are written under the tabs. By chunking information in this way, students are encouraged to self-question/self-check as the Foldable is manipulated. Foldables help students learn how to organize their thoughts.

What is a TCA Award?

Since 1994, Learning Magazine has sponsored the Teachers' Choice Awards program. Over the years, the program has become one of the most recognized and prestigious awards in the educational market, heralding the very best in classroom-tested, teacher-recommended products.Each year, a team of teachers evaluates each product in the classroom, in categories including books, classroom supplies, educational games, software, websites, and more. These products are evaluated on quality, instructional value, ease of use, and innovation.In 2014, the Professional Development Award was added to showcase excellence in Professional Development products. For the first annual Professional Development program, six winners were chosen based on their scores from the evaluations done by a panel of teachers across the country--two of those were Dinah's books.Products from Dinah-Might Adventures (now Dinah.com) have received five Teachers' Choice Awards:In 2014, we had two winners in the new, Professional Development category. Envelope Graphic Organizers shares ideas for adapting Dinah Zike's Foldables for use with new and repurposed envelopes of all sizes. Includes project idea starters, full-color photographs, and a DVD tutorial from Dinah. Also, Foldables and VKVs for Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary (PK-3). In this 350-page book, Dinah introduces her Visual Kinesthetic Vocabulary (VKV) flashcards. Topics are arranged alphabetically, making this an easily-accessible reference for teachers of early language learners and ELL/ESL students. Includes directions for Dinah's Foldables.In 2011, we had two winners in the For the Classroom category. Foldables, Notebook Foldables, and VKVs for Spelling & Vocabulary (4-12) offers another amazing classroom reference. Alphabetically arranged topics provide activities and word lists to build vocabulary. Notebook Foldables for Spirals, Binders, and Composition Books offers something of a technical guide to interactive notebooks, including blank templates that can be customized using the included CD.Dinah's first book, Big Book of Books and Activities, now a retired title, was one of the first recipients of the Teachers' Choice Award in 1994.

What is notebooking?

Notebooking is a way to record some of the instructional activity that occurs during the learning process. Notebooking may utilize 3-ring binders, spiral notebooks, composition notebooks, or other notebook formats, but all represent student work during some instructional period.

What's the difference between independent and dependent Foldables?

Independent Foldables are self-contained within the paper used to construct them.A dependent, or Notebook Foldable, requires the paper of the page on which it is attached to complete the Foldable.

I'm afraid my high school students will find Notebook Foldables babyish--are they really appropriate for upper level students?

So much depends on how Foldables and Notebook Foldables are introduced in the classroom! To be most effective, these are not treated as fun filler activities, but are the way we teach the abstract content of upper level classes (though they can be a lot of fun!). Let students know that these are tools to help their brains break down and master the complex and often abstract content of higher level coursework. Share how the visual and kinesthetic structure of the Foldable or Notebook Foldable actually helps chunk out the content. If you aren't sure how to do this, please check out our video library or consider joining us at a conference session, workshop, or the Dinah Zike Academy.

Why should I create an account in the online store?

We built in the possibility of user accounts for your convenience. By creating an account, you can keep track of your previous orders) and create a wishlist for future purchases. We don't have access to your account, it is just for you!

How do I search your website?

Glad you asked! From the home page, simply enter search terms into the large search bar in the upper center of the page and either click the magnifying lens icon or hit 'Enter' to search the entire site. This is a great option if you know exactly what you're looking for. Another option is the category menu on the left side of the site. Scroll past the large banner on the home page to see this menu or click 'Shop All' on the top menu.

I'm interested in attending the Dinah Zike Academy. Do I have to become a trainer if I go?

While we offer the opportunity to pursue certification as a Dinah Zike trainer, you have no obligation to do so. Many educators attend as an avenue for their continued professional development, with no intent of pursuing certification.

How do I set up a teacher training at my school?

Contact us! Either through email (orders@dinah.com) or by calling our toll-free number: 800-99-DINAH.We require at least 30 days prior to your intended training date to schedule your training and find just the right trainer for your session.

How much does it cost to attend the Dinah Zike Academy?

Tuition for our 3-day (well, 2+ days) institutes is $985.00. We offer an early-bird discount of 10% and if 3 or more people from the same school attend the same session, they get a 10% discount--so you could get up to 20% off!Tuition for our 1 1/2 day FOCUS sessions is $350.00. We offer the same early-bird and quantity discounts as for the 3-day institutes.Tuition for any session includes all materials necessary for the session.

Is there one book that has all the folds in it?

Most of Dinah's books have instructions for making Foldables. Each of the Big Book series includes a section of instructions for making the folds. The VKV books also each include an appendix of instructions on how to make Foldables.

If I teach all subjects in my elementary classroom, do I need to buy all the Big Books?

Not really (though you certainly may!). Each of the Big Books (Big Book of Social Studies, Big Book of Math, Big Book of Science) has a section of instructions at the beginning showing how to create each of Dinah's Foldables. The books also each contain a section of suggested activities for grade level appropriate topics for the subject and an additional section of graphics to support your instructional activities.Purchase the book or books that provide you the support you need in terms of instructional activity ideas or reproducible graphics.

Can I use the Notebook Foldables book with my 2nd grade students?

Yes! In fact, almost immediately after we published thousands of copies of this book with the subtitle indicating its use with students from 4th grade to college, we heard from teachers of younger students and we were quickly convinced of our error! Notebooking or journaling can be done with students of all ages.

Have your prices changed recently?

Well, yes and no. We have always been very mindful of our pricing, wanting to provide the best value for you and also cover our costs. As we worked on this new store, we were presented with some design choices that led us to include standard shipping costs in the price of our physical products. We generally added as little as we could to ship your materials to you as quickly as possible. You'll note that prices on those products include shipping within the 48 contiguous United States (sorry, Alaska and Hawaii!); please contact our office by email or phone (800-99-DINAH) for shipping rates and options for other areas. Our customer service team will be glad to help you find the best shipping option for your needs.

How do I search this website?