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The child is the sole audience of the notebook entries until the point he decides to move an idea through the drafting process. “Ownership of authorship” is a critical component to the success of this important Workshop tool. Additionally, the frequency of entries in the notebook cannot be understated as daily practice living the writerly life supports the development of writing. Notebooks are a necessary and integral part of the Writing Workshop!
Personalizing the Writer’s Notebook
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Getting Started
For some children, notebooks may be a new addition to the Writing Workshop. Scaffold their understanding by sharing a few trade books featuring notebook entries to give children ideas for the many and varied ways to use their notebooks. Some titles to consider are Amelia’s Notebook (Simon & Schuster), Max’s Log Book (Scholastic), and Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Amulet).
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Strategies to Generate Notebook Ideas
Once your students understand the purpose of a writer’s notebook, have their notebooks personalized and organized, they are ready to begin the important work of growing as writers! Published texts (of all kinds – think beyond books!) are the typical “go to” for sharing interesting text structures and “ways with words”, but don’t overlook the gems found in student writing samples and your own notebook entries. In addition to mentor texts, support students in finding their own ideas and writing voice by inviting them to try some of the following strategies:
- Generate Lists – things that are funny, scary, silly, sad and why they make you feel that way
- Create Webs and Mind Maps – center on a special event, place, person, imaginary travel, etc. and write down every associated detail that comes to mind
- Write around Artifacts – ask children to bring in a photograph or souvenir from home and record the memories that surround it (the artifact should remain at the point of writing in the notebook – an envelope can be taped to the page for storage, if desired)
Written by Debbie Linville, September 2014
Dr. Debbie Linville served as the Department Chair of the Elementary and Middle Grades Education at High Point University. She has been involved with NCAEE since 2005 and served as the Director of Region 5 and Chair of the NCAEE Regional Advisory Councils. Dr. Linville has been teaching for over 30 years and her passion is enabling educators to promote the proficient, joyful reading and writing lives of children.
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