Using Writers Notebooks in Intermediate Grades

Using Writers Notebooks in Intermediate GradesPresentation by Stacie NoiseyRaise the Roof:Inspiring Great Writing InstructionMarch 2, 2011

Into my notebook goes anything that is interesting enough to stop me in my tracks--the slump of a pair of shoulders in a crowd, a newspaper entry, a recipe, "chewy" words like ragamuffin or Maurice . . . For me, it all begins with a notebook: it is the well I dip into for that first clear, cool drink.

Rita Dove

Enduring UnderstandingsThe act of modeling sends powerful messages about a teachers beliefs and practices.

Writing takes many forms.

Words shape and reflect our values, beliefs, and thoughts.

Essential QuestionsHow does modeling the writing process help students as writers?

What compels you to write?

Todays TargetsParticipants will be able to:Help students live as writers

Create a writers notebook

Explore strategies to use with students

Share ideas and writing with others

Ties to the Common Core

College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing

Production and Distribution of Writing

5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

ALL K-5 strand 5 standards begin with the stem:With guidance and support from adultsMy Notebook HabitsAlways have a notebook handy

Make a habit of writing

Make it yours

Dont be a perfectionist(c) Fisher & Frey, 2006TEACHER RESPONSIBILITYSTUDENT RESPONSIBILITYFocus LessonGuided InstructionI do itWe do itYou do it togetherCollaborativeIndependentYou do it aloneA Structure for Instruction that WorksThe Importance of ModelingWriting instruction has to come during the writing process, not after.

Show students your process

Make your thinking visible

You dont need to be perfect(Kittle, 2008)

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Getting StartedSizePortabilityStoragePersonalizationRefill/replacementsOrganization

Let students take ownershipCreate collage coversDecorate Choose tabsIdentify sectionsWriting utensils

Collage Covers

Whats inside?IdeasListsDaily writingCollectionsReflectionsNotesRevision strategiesDaily Writing

Notes on process, genre, and craft

Glue in notes and ideas

Whats not included?Entire drafts

Editing

Final copiesLets write!ListsFavorite wordsFavorite thingsBest/worst/most exciting/scariestQuestions- Wonder/ponderCollections- Ideas/books/musicSeedshttp://www.online-stopwatch.com/countdown/Turn and talk- What did you include?

Five minutes18Books to Read, Ideas to Write

Daily WritingDevelop expectations/set goalsTeachers will:Provide time to writeTeach strategies and daily mini-lessonsWrite daily and share his or her notebookTeach rules of spelling and grammar to enhance writingBuckner, 2005Daily WritingDevelop expectations/set goalsStudents will:Write dailyFind topicsTry strategies from mini-lessonsRespect the notebookPractice what they know Buckner, 2005

Lets write!Choose a topic from your ideas section and write for 10 minutes.http://www.online-stopwatch.com/countdown/

Writing StrategiesSeven StoriesMind PicturesWriting from readingExpanded MomentsOverheard ConversationsWords of AdviceMemories

Lets Write!Choose a strategy to try

You have 10 minutes to draft

http://www.online-stopwatch.com/countdown/

Notes on process, genre, and craftNote taking during mini-lessons

Glue-in entries

Samples and examples

Word to the wise: Less is more.Improving your ideasUse the writers notebook to hone your craftLook for patternsPractice revision strategiesExpand topicsWrite from another point of viewFind hidden gemsLift lines

TransformationsDigging out the CrystalsLook through the writing you have added to your notebook.Choose one revision strategy to tryFind one line to liftRevise for strong verbsHighlight a hidden gemEnduring UnderstandingsThe act of modeling sends powerful messages about a teachers beliefs and practices.

Writing takes many forms.

Words shape and reflect our values, beliefs, and thoughts.

Essential QuestionsHow does modeling the writing process help students as writers?

What compels you to write?

3-2-1 Summarizer3 Ideas you have learned

2 Strategies you can use in your classroom

1 Lingering question ResourcesAllen, J. (2006). Becoming a Literacy Leader. Stenhouse, ME.Bomer, K. (2010). Hidden Gems: Naming and Teaching from the Brilliance in Every Student's Writing. Heinemann, NH.Buckner, A. (2005). Notebook Know-How: Strategies for the Writers Notebook. Stenhouse, ME.Fisher,D. & Frey, N. (2007). Scaffolded Writing Instruction: Teaching with a gradual-release framework. New York: Scholastic.Fletcher, R. (1996). Breathing In, Breathing Out. Heinemann, NH.Fletcher, R. (1996). A Writers Notebook. Harper Trophy, NY.