What is a writers notebook and how do I implement it into my classroom?
Mentor texts are more that just books. They are great resources to aid students in developing their writing!
Mentor texts can be used in the classroom to exemplify various writing styles and techniques. These well-liked books can be referenced by students to strengthen their writing and to supply them with ideas.
Writers Notebook
A writers notebook can be used in and out of class for students to write in. There is no limit to what can be included in their notebooks. They should be encouraged to personalize and decorate the covers and feel comfortable enough to write about anything they want. This is not something to be a Grammar Nazi over. They should not be graded for grammar. Students should be encouraged to venture out and try new styles of writings. They should explore topics to write about whether personal, fictional, or nonfiction.
It is essential to teach various writing styles so that students may have a CHOICE in which method they prefer. DO NOT ASSIGN PROMPTS AND REFRAIN FROM ASSIGNING A CERTAIN STYLE. Students are more likely to be engaged and write more meaningful pieces when they truly care about what they are writing.
Some of my favorites:
Making a list
Maps
Poems
Acrostics
100 Things....
Bucket List
I love..../I hate...
Your Name
Timeline
Letter
I am...
Draw
Memoir (6 word)
Where I am from....
"Think about it- talk about it- write about it."
It is important to build students creativity and comfort level about writing. Everyone can be great writers! In the beginning, you may need to set a certain amount of time (ten minutes) and encourage or challenge the students to write for the entire time, even if that means they are repeating themselves. Over time, students will build their writing stamina and be able to write longer periods of time with ease.
SHARING-Encourage your students to take pride in their hard work and share with the class some of their writings.
Always give them the freedom to choose what they would like to share. Somethings may be too personal for them to share with the class.
Dorfman, L. R., Cappelli, R., & Hoyt, L. (2017). Mentor texts: Teaching writing through childrens literature, k-6. Portland, ME: Stenhouse.