What is a Writer's Notebook?

 

You may be wondering what I mean when I refer to a "writer's notebook." While you probably have figured out that it is a notebook used for writing, it goes deeper than that. 

A writer's notebook is a term used in education to encourage writers of all ages to capture "mentor texts" (favorite snippets from books, poems, etc.), lists, stories, and poems, and to give writers a space to try out new techniques, whether in a formal piece of writing or even a small excerpt of text. 

While there are many creative ideas for keeping organized writer's notebooks–think table of contents, page numbers, and titles–there is no wrong way to keep a writer's notebook (except perhaps one that you never write in). 

The idea is that the writer's notebook goes beyond a journal entry. It becomes a safe place for writers to try out new styles of writing, to write using their very best sensory details, and to collect inspiration (I like to call these captured ideas "collectables") for future writing, thinking, and creating. 

While the idea of a "commonplace book" is very similar, I prefer to call it a writer's notebook to emphasize that when we use this notebook, we are acting like a real writer–collecting ideas, trying new word combinations, and noticing and noting the world around us. 

The notebook used is typically a composition notebook, but I love lined journal notebooks for middle grade and up. As I mentioned in my post "Beyond the Notebook," there are many other styles of notebooks that might be a better fit for artistic children, or legal paper works better for some writers. 

The fun part about a writer's notebook is that it can be decorated and dedicated to make it more personal. Add in a little washi tape or colorful "collectables," and it becomes even more unique to the child using it. 

If you've never used a writer's notebook, I highly encourage you to give it a try. It is a special place to practice the art of writing!

📖✎ If this is your first time starting a writer's notebook, or even if you've done it a dozen times before, I encourage you to check out my Mind Mansion Pre-Writing Workshop. The workshop will engage your children/students in meaningful pre-writing that is centered around their own memories and special interests, all tied to the theme of home!