Reader Writer Notebook

Set up

Reader/Writer Notebook Guidelines and Expectations

“Keeping a notebook is the single best way I know to survive as a writer. It encourages you to pay attention to your world, inside and out. It serves as a container to keep together all the seeds you gather until you’re ready to plant them. It gives you a quiet place to catch your breath and begin to write.” -from Breathing In, Breathing Out: Keeping a Writer’s Notebook (1996, Fletcher)

Expectations

• To read voraciously for pleasure, because there are so many great books.

• To write (or sometimes draw) what you are thinking, because your thinking matters.

Reader Writer Notebook

You will divide your notebook into two sections:

1. Notes 2. Writing/Response

You will set up a “Table of Contents” for each section so you can keep track of what you enter into your notebook

Set-up Instructions

1. The first page will be your title page. You will need to write your name and “Reader Writer Notebook”

2. The next page will be titled “Notes Table of Contents”

3. Using the seam holding your pages together, locate the middle of the notebook. The first page after the seam (to the right of the seam) will be where you write “Writing/Response Table of Contents”

Step 1Cover – Draw pictures that portray who you are to completely cover the front and back of your RWN. You can also choose stickers, magazine cut outs, computer print outs, or whatever reflects your personality and paste these items on the front and back of your RWN.

• Make sure your selections are school appropriate. Decorate the outside and inside covers of your composition book. Use tape or glue to put these things on the cover. If you decide to paste pictures, use clear packing tape to seal the front and back covers once you have decorated them. Make sure your first and last name dominantly appears on the front cover.

Step 2

Title Page - On the 1st page of you RWN, print your first and last name, write your class period, and document the school year. • Use markers, stickers, cut outs, or whatever

else you choose to decorate that page as well. Number your pages on the bottom as you go. Try to use the same place on each page.

Step 3On the 2nd page of your RWN, create a page titled EXPECTATIONS. Copy the following information in pen: 1. Write in blue or black ink or pencil. When coloring, use map pencils/colors that are readable. NO sharpie or markers!2. Write neatly.3. Date each entry, add it to the table of contents4. No inappropriate content for school.5. Must be original work. No cheater babies.

Storage

• RWNs will be kept in the classroom in your class period’s designated crate.

REMEMBER…

• All writing should be done in blue or black pen or pencil• Sketches and drawings may be done in #2 pencil or color-

no sharpie!• All writing/drawings/observations should be dated and

entered into the table of contents• Challenge/push yourself to try new things.• Always aim for the highest quality writing, reading, and

response.• Be cooperative, respectful, and courteous to yourself and

other learners around you (including peers and adults).