THE WRITER’S NOTEBOOK English II

WHAT IS A WRITER’S NOTEBOOK? The Writer’s Notebook is the heart of the English classroom. It is the place that holds a student’s reflections on literature and life. It is the place where a student goes to record important notes about a text for further study and writing. It is the place where students can explore new words, ideas, and the world at large. In essence, all of the items a student put into a Writer’s Notebook becomes a part of the writing process—even notes and vocabulary. Real world writers keep notebooks to record their thoughts, observations, and ideas in order to use them later on during the writing process. Your Writer’s Notebook will become the most important writing tool of English class. Let’s get started!!

WRITER’S NOTEBOOK REQUIREMENTS  The Writer’s Notebook MUST be a 1-2” 3-ring binder  You must have five dividers to be placed in the binder  If your binder has a clear cover, place a cover page with your name, class period, and teacher’s name in the cover. (If your binder does not have a clear cover, make the cover sheet the first page in your binder.)  You Writer’s Notebook stays in class!!  Use a separate folder for homework

WRITER’S NOTEBOOK SECTIONS Front Pocket – Work in Progress Bell Ringer Page Syllabus Divider #1 – Notes/Journal Divider #2 – Reading Divider #3 – Writing Divider #4 – Grammar Divider #5 – Vocabulary Back Pocket – Graded Work You should have extra paper in the back of your notebook as well! Homework folder for take home work can go in the back

WRITER’S NOTEBOOK EXPECTATIONS - STUDENT  Write in your notebook when time is given.  Follow the directions of each notebook assignment. If the writing task calls for one page, you should write a full page from top to bottom.  Respect the integrity of the Writer’s Notebook and take pride in writing by having the notebook in class every single day and treating it with respect by not tearing it up.  Adapt language, grammar, style, and mechanics to suit each writing task and respective audience.  Discover the various purposes for writing and why each is important.

WRITER’S NOTEBOOK EXPECTATIONS - TEACHER  Provide time for students to write during class  Communicate precise directions for each entry in the Writer’s Notebook.  Have his/her own Writer’s Notebook in class everyday. The teacher should complete the notebook tasks along with students and be willing to share his/her own writing throughout the year.  Teach mini-lessons on vocabulary, grammar, style, and mechanics that will enable students to make effective and conscious decisions throughout the writing process.

EXAMPLES OF A WRITER’S NOTEBOOK