I really enjoyed reading this book, it is full of great ideas that will be a great asset to me when I have a classroom of my own. I feel like this book is easy to read and understand and offers a multitude of ideas to use when having your students keep their own writer’s notebook. The book also offers tools to help get the writing process started, such as creating lists, writing about their weekend, and writing off literature.(Buckner p.5)
A writer’s notebook is a place where student can practice writing, generate text, practice using different writing strategies, find ideas, and practice what they know about spelling and grammar.
I feel it is important to provide student’s with the tools they need become successful and fluent writer’s. To do this student’s should be encouraged to make writing a habit, the more practice they get writing the better off they will be. Also remember any writing is good because it allows the students the opportunity to simply practice writing.
I liked the example given in the book on how to launch the notebook. I think it is important for the teacher to start out by working right along side the students in a group setting. I feel that allowing the students to share their ideas and thoughts as a group will give them a jumpstart or place to begin their writing. Students will be more comfortable in a more informal setting and speak more freely about their thoughts and experiences.
I feel students should have a say so on how they feel their notebooks are organized, however it is also important for the teacher to set forth some specific guidelines for all the students to follow. I like the idea of having the students use the same type of composition notebook, however they should be allowed to “decorate” it to show their own individual personalities.
