jacqueline woodson · writer's notebook

Ways I Use My Writer’s Notebook

Stacey Shubitz

I shared an excerpt from the Jacqueline Woodson Section of Speaking of Journals by Paula W. Graham with my students today. Afterwards, we all wrote down some ways in which we already use our notebooks (or could use them based off of what we learned from the Woodson Piece, which inspired lots of great ideas amongst the kids).

This is how I responded before having the kids go off and figure out how they use or could use their notebooks.
• I use my notebook to record memories. I think it’s important to preserve memories of my grandparents who lived in Florida. I was fortunate enough to have my grandpa around for the first 12 years of my life; my grandma was around for the first 29 years of my life. I owe it to them to write about them in my notebook since they loved me so much.
• I use my notebook to collect ephemera. I like holding on to ticket stubs, business cards, and other pieces of paper that most other people would discard. I like to keep it. To save it. To write about it.
• I use my notebook to write down slices of life. I often use fancy pens, add artwork, or scrapbook paper to dress them up when I write in my notebook.
• I use my notebook on-the-go, especially when I’m in New York City. I like to observe people and write down the strange things they do. I never write about everyday people who go about their business. That’s no fun. It’s the out of the ordinary people that are interesting to watch and write about.

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Published by Stacey Shubitz

Stacey Shubitz is a K-6 literacy consultant and former elementary teacher. She is the author of CRAFT MOVES and other professional books on writing workshop. Her forthcoming book, MAKE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK FOR YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES (Guilford Press, 2026), empowers parents to navigate the special education system.

3 thoughts on “Ways I Use My Writer’s Notebook”

  1. My notebook is an essential part of my everyday life. Since I am a freelance writer, I am used to scribbling down random thoughts and ideas. I am currently working on several custom essays and there is a need for me to get more information from the “outside world”. And my notebook should always come handy.

    My notebook serves as a planner too. The memories are written in words as I go through each day with my writing and with my life.

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  3. Notebooks are a vital part of my writing life. I feel a bit odd when I go out without one! Because you never know when you’ll see that moment, that person, hear that fragment that you must write down.

    I think notebooks are a great way to encourage students to write, to get into a habit of writing, and create a habit of observation. Observation can be a writer’s most effective idea generation tool.

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