Norms For Writer's Notebooks

Mrs. Flanagan's Class Notebook Norms:

1. Unless there is a specific question posted, you may write about anything that is on your mind.
2. Write without stopping until time is called.
3. Write without correcting. This is a rough draft. It does not have to be perfect. 
4. We are a community of writers which means if you would like to share, you may share during our author's chair. 
5. You may only share YOUR writing. Please don't send a friend with your words. 
6. I understand our writing is personal. If you write something you do not want me to see, please fold the page over and I will not disturb it.
7. However, if I read something in your notebook that concerns me, I may have to share it with the counselor or administrator.

Author's Note:

In the past, I have found that introduction of writer’s notebook to be the most frustrating part of writer’s notebook. I haven't had a clear vision of what it should be and which makes getting student buy in difficult. I have often wondered how I can maximize the use of the notebook front and back. My first thought last year was to have the students use the back for vocabulary, but we decided after six weeks that vocabulary lists were not necessary. Buchner uses the front for quick writes and the back for reading and writing strategies, which is similar to my original outline of the notebooks.

To establish the writer's notebook at the right time is important. In Aimee Buckner's book, Notebook Know-how: Strategies For The Writer's Notebook,  she mentioned the importance of the students having a story to tell when you introduce the writer's notebook. To combat the lack of vision, I feel there should also be a list of norms for my students to begin our experience with writer's notebooks.

I understand these will be flexible and the students will help come up with a class set; however, these are what I will guide them to if they are left out of the student list.