The Writer's Notebook

What is a writer's notebook?

A writer's notebook is a journal for you to keep your own personal writing. It is a collection of ideas that you wish to write. What makes it unique is that it is your notebook. You get to pick whatever goes into it, as long as it is important to you, and appropriate. The purpose is to keep or generate valuable ideas that you may return to at a later time. Variety is good.

How to keep a writer's notebook: You are responsible for your writer's notebook. Your job is to write four pages into it every week. A page, in this case, means one side of a paper in the book. Each week, you will be reminded about the page you should be on in the writer's notebook. I will collect your notebooks about every two weeks or so.

What goes in a writer's notebook? Just about anything, as long as it is appropriate. A writer's notebook is your collection. Put things you might like to remember in it (particularly when you are older). Perhaps, you can write about an event that happened to you, or in the world. You can add a movie review. You can even put a journal entry, a comic, an acrostic, riddles, or any type of item...as long as it is mostly writing. Also, you may decorate it how you like. Sometimes, I will suggest an activity related to the topic at hand. Just remember, the book will be graded, so what you write will be read. Also, keep in mind that other people may see what you write if you misplace your notebook. Be aware of what you write, and be aware that anyone might see it.

What is the purpose of the writer's notebook?

Good writer's practice writing all the time. They learn how to find and create ideas for their own writing. And, they try to write everyday, focusing on their own topics. The writer's notebook asks you to do these important writing skills. You will practice your own personal writing as you generate your own ideas. Many actual childrens' writers, such as Ralph Fletcher (who wrote Flying Solo), use a writer's notebook.

How the writer's notebook is graded: You will be graded after every four entries. The grade is for effort, creativity and reflection. Make sure to keep up with the correct number of pages, and write what you want. Although correct spelling, correct grammar, and neatness all should be important, these are not the main basis of your grade (and will not usually be corrected). I’ll let you know what portion of your final grade will be based upon your notebook on a separate handout. This is an assignment for you to run with! Enjoy the jog.

**with thanks to Christopher Forrest in Natick, MA.