1. Reader Writer Notebook and ELA Binder
Set up

2. Dividers will be set up into the following sections:
Warm-Up- done on one sheet of paper to be turned in for a daily grade on Friday
Vocabulary- you will be given a list every two weeks
Homework- homework when it is assigned
Writing- brainstorming, essays, etc…
Reading Log- keep your reading log in this section at all times
Items to keep in your binder at all times- notebook paper, reading log, ELA contract
***You will need your ELA binder every day in class!

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. Reader Writer Notebook
You will divide your notebook into two sections:
Notes
Thought Shots
You will set up a “Table of Contents” so you can keep track of everything you enter into your notebook.

6. Step 1
Title Page - On the 1st page of you RWN, print your first and last name, write the title (Reader Writer Notebook), your class period, and the school year.
You may use colored pencils, crayons, stickers, or whatever else you choose to decorate that page.
Number your pages on the bottom right corner as you go so you can keep track of what is where

7. On the 2nd page of your RWN, title it EXPECTATIONS.
Step 2
On the 2nd page of your RWN, title it EXPECTATIONS.
Copy the following information in blue or black pen:
1. Write neatly.
2. Title, date, and add each entry to the Table of Contents.
3. Avoid sharpies and markers because they will bleed through the page!
4. When coloring, color neatly and use map pencils/crayons that are readable.
5. All work must be original. No cheater babies! Work must also be kept school appropriate.

8. Step 3 The third page will be titled “Table of Contents”
On the far left side before the red line, you will write “Page Number”
On the right side of that same red line, you will write “Title”
On the far right side of the page, on the right side of the second red line, you will write “Date”
SKIP a page- you will dedicate 2 pages to the table of contents

9. Step 4 Skip one page, and on the next page, title it “Notes”
You will divide the remaining pages in half to create the two sections of your notebook.
The next section will be titled “Thought Shots”

10. Step 5
Decorate – You may choose to decorate the front and back covers of your RWN. You can use duct tape, stickers, magazine cut outs, computer print outs, colored construction paper, or whatever reflects your personality and paste these items on the front and back of your RWN.
Make sure your selections are school appropriate. Use clear packing tape to cover and hold these things on the cover. If you decide to create a collage, past the pictures, then use clear packing tape to seal the covers once you have decorated them.
Make sure your first and last name (period number is optional) dominantly appears on the front cover.

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

12. REMEMBER… All writing should be done in blue or black pen or pencil
Sketches and drawings may be done in pen, pencil, or colors- no sharpie or markers!
All writing/drawings/etc should be given a title, 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).