Writer’s Notebook Overview

What it is…

The composition notebook you are required to have for this class will be turned into your writer’s notebook. This is where you will write, write, and then write some more. We will do free writes, writing based on mentor texts, notes, etc.

Why do I use it?

Writer’s notebooks are more than just your normal notebook. These composition books will keep your journals, first drafts and possibly second drafts of writing assignments, notes, etc. These notebooks are a fundamental

part of this class and will be used EVERYDAY. Through this writing you will be able to build writing stamina that will help you in any future writing you do (think ACT, college, and career). These notebooks will show you how far you have come as a writer from the beginning of class to the very end.

How do I use it?

Writer’s notebooks are for YOU. They should serve as a place to put down any ideas you have and should also be inspiration for future writing assignments. They can also be used to revising, editing, and polishing drafts. The more you use them, the better your writing will be.

So, what’s my grade?

Writer’s notebooks are subject to grading in many ways—for instance I might grade a final draft from one of your entries, the overall notebook, or a specific date-entry. It is vital that you show effort and maintenance in your notebooks everyday and with every entry; otherwise, your class grade will suffer.

Disclaimer…

Writer’s notebooks will be viewed and checked by myself and are subject to be shared if there is a concern. Please know that I will read what you are writing, so if there are things you wrote that need to be reviewed by another adult—to ensure safety, health, and security for you or others—it might be viewed beyond my classroom.

Writing

How to Set It Up:

1. Your first page will be use to record books you have read and books you want to read. On the front of the page write Book I Have Read. On the back of that page write Books I Want to Read.

2. Next, skip one page after your Books I Have Read page and place one of the tabs you were given on this page. Please also write Writing on this tab.

3. Then, find the ¾ point of your notebook. Please place one of the tabs you were given on that page. Please also write Notes on this tab. This is where all notes will be taken in this class.

4. Later on, only write on the right-hand pages, and keep the left hand pages blank for experimentation and revision.

5. Decorate your inside cover for inspiration—see my sample below!

General Rules: Never, ever tear out pages from your writer’s notebook. If you feel the

need, see me! Keep these notebooks safe. The best idea would be to keep them in

your folder in the English 3 bin on the counter.

Homework: You need to bring in a writer’s notebook.

You also want to find some personal pictures, quotes, and visuals to paste and collage in your writer’s notebooks when we personalize them.

Due: _____________________________________Resources:

Anderson, Jeff. "Chapter Three: Weaving Grammar and Mechanics in Writer's Workshop." Mechanically Inclined. Portland, MA: Stenhouse, 2005. 27-50. Print.

Writing