Collecting SEEDS: Writer's Notebooks
On the first day of school, students are handed a brand new writer's notebook. They spend time cutting out images and words from magazines that describe who they are. And with a lot of modge podge, seal them on to their notebooks.
We also spend time brainstorming topics to write about. We came to realization that ideas can sprout up just about anywhere and from any topic!
I share my writer's notebook with both classes, pulling out and describing my many "seeds" that I have collected over the years. I have invitations from baby showers, birthday parties, and weddings, greeting cards from friends and family, tickets from the movie theatre and my travels, and magazine articles I struck me.
We all gather in a circle and one by one, I share my "seeds". They all eagerly listen to the story that goes with each seed. I can see their minds spinning, thinking about what "seeds" they will collect from home and bring in to add to their notebooks!
We also spend time brainstorming topics to write about. We came to realization that ideas can sprout up just about anywhere and from any topic!
I share my writer's notebook with both classes, pulling out and describing my many "seeds" that I have collected over the years. I have invitations from baby showers, birthday parties, and weddings, greeting cards from friends and family, tickets from the movie theatre and my travels, and magazine articles I struck me.
We all gather in a circle and one by one, I share my "seeds". They all eagerly listen to the story that goes with each seed. I can see their minds spinning, thinking about what "seeds" they will collect from home and bring in to add to their notebooks!
WEEDS: Choosing a Topic and planting it
Now students get to take a "seed" and "plant it", that is, begin writing! Each seed is glued on a blank page of the journal and the writing process begins!
Roses: Continuing The Writing Process
Now that each piece of writing has been planted, students decide whether or not they want to take the piece of writing through the writing process. Through multiple drafts and critiques, the writing is published and put on public display.