During the first few weeks of school, many teachers graciously invite me into their classrooms to launch writer’s notebooks. I love talking to kids about the purpose of a writer’s notebook. We discuss what a writer’s notebook is (a place to collect ideas, to remember words, to take risks) and what a writer’s notebook isn’t (a journal, a sketchbook.) Then, I usually give the kids a peek inside my own writer’s notebook. Wanna see?
Sometimes, I make lists in my notebook:
Sometimes, I draw a quick sketch in my notebook:
I made that sketch when I was beginning a memoir about my childhood doll. I was trying to bring back as many memories of her as I could, so I sketched out my childhood home and thought about all the different things I did with my doll when I was younger.
Sometimes, I just want to get my thoughts out, unsure of what will become of them:
I wrote those thoughts as my daughter’s second birthday approached. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write. You can see in the upper right hand corner I was questioning, “Do I write her a letter? Write an essay? Maybe a poem?” I never did write anything, but I am so glad I saved those thoughts on paper. I know I will need them someday.
Sometimes, I make a timeline of events if I am writing a story…
…and then I zoom-in on each event from the timeline:
Sometimes, I see a text that inspires me. If I can, I copy it into my notebook:
Then, I will try it out myself:
Sometimes, I develop a character in my notebook:
Thinking through characters before I write always adds depth to my writing.
Sometimes, I collect words:
This is only a small peek into my writer’s notebook. There are loads of other entries (writing long, webs, favorite lines, visual note-taking, etc). Giving the kids a peek inside my own writer’s notebook shows them there is no “right” way to keep a notebook. There are endless possibilities.
It works every time. The kids are always eager to leave the carpet area and start writing in their very own writer’s notebooks.
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 
Thanks for sharing your notebook. I think sharing it with students is a great way for them to understand its use.
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Love the peek into your writer’s notebook. I have begun to use one but not using it enough! You’ve given me some great ideas.
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I really enjoyed this peek into your notebook! Thanks for sharing all you do via this blog! Question: Do you consider this blog a portion of your writer’s notebook? If so, how do you decide what you will write in the notebook and what you will post on this (or another) blog? What are your thoughts about students making the shift from the paper notebook to a digital blog? How would you encourage student blogging? Looking forward to hearing!
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Hi, Karen – great questions. This blog is separate from my writer’s notebook. What I write on this blog is in final, edited, publish-able form. In my notebook, I collect ideas, plan, and play around with my writing. I don’t ever actually draft in my notebook. When I’m ready to write a draft, I usually use Evernote (or Microsoft Word or Google docs… some kind of digital platform). I often plan the posts for this blog in my notebook by keeping lists of ideas or brainstorming ideas for a blog post. I hope that makes sense and answers your question.
It would be the same for students. They would use a writer’s notebook to collect ideas, brainstorm, and think through their writing. They could then blog the finished pieces. Here are two great posts on student blogging to get you started: https://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/2013/02/03/guestblogcornwell/
and
https://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/blogs-microblogs/
Hope that helps – feel free to email me with any other questions!
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These are some great ideas. I wish I had thought to do a bulletin board like that. Oh well, there’s always next year! : )
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This is the best post I have read in a long time, simply because it is a push to get me to use my notebook more. It is hard to use my own notebook with my students, when my entries and ideas are so sporadic. I don’t always “practice what I preach.” Thanks for giving us peek inside your writing place.
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Very nice peek into your writing notebook – I like the different examples – very helpful!
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I love this peek into your notebook! You’ve inspired a post for my class blog. Thank you!!
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