Using the Writer's Notebook in Grades 3-8: A Teacher's Guide

by Janet L. Elliott

Janet Elliott provides practical ideas, assignments, and examples of student writing. This book offers a vision of what is possible for young writers―both in writing across the curriculum and in writing workshop.

Janet Elliott performs magic in the classroom by encouraging children to write! In this highly readable guide, Elliott provides everything you need to re-create that magic in your classroom, including tips and ideas for getting started with writer’s notebooks and using them effectively all year long. Filled with practical ideas, assignments, and examples of student writing, this book offers a vision of what is possible for young writers―both in writing across the curriculum and in writing workshop. You’ll also find handy management tips that help you meet the challenges that often arise. Starting with a rationale for using writer’s notebooks, topics include getting started, using the notebook to record observations, and using children’s literature as a springboard for writing entries. Elliott shows you how to help students develop their entries through the writing process and use the notebook as a planning tool. Also included are a focused unit of study for the writer’s notebook and a special chapter about engaging boys in notebook writing. You’ll return to this valuable resource again and again, whether you’ve used writer’s notebooks for years or are just starting out.

131 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2008

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I wasn't expecting this book to give me as much wonderful information as it did. This is a very slim volume, but there's so much good, practical advice to take away and use in your own classroom. I checked this book out from the library so I couldn't write or highlight in it, so I wrote 7 pages of notes that will help me structure my class to use their writer's notebooks more effectively.

I'm glad I read this book before the school year began because this book inspired me to change the way I do a few things in my classroom.

[Ryan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich, detailed examples of how to teach and use writer's notebooks. The lessons here are written for middle grades, but could be used for adults as well. I'm privileged to work with Janet Elliott this year and I'm aiming to learn all I can about how to turn my understanding of writing into solid, inspiring, effective ways of teaching children.

[Mindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful little book with great ideas for writers' notebooks. I'm sure I'll be going back into it as the school year gets rolling.

[Savannah Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of good, practical, strategies for the writer's notebook. A lot of it seems to be just a rehash of others' work, especially Ralph Fletcher, though.