Obtaining Another Just Right Book -Your Writer's Notebooks For 2020

As the Australian school year draws to a close, we reach a time where attention is given to student resources and supplies for the next academic year. 

 So, I find myself thinking about how schools might best go about supplying students with writer’s notebooks for 2020. 






Handing out a one size fits all notebook relegates this special writing tool to little more than workbook status in the eyes of young writers. If kids come to view the writer's notebook in this way, it loses integrity. It loses its individuality. It can come to viewed as a 'teacher thing.' The ownership has been eroded significantly.

 Such an outcome remains totally avoidable, but it does however require some pre planning on the part of those managing the acquisition of school resources. 

 An increasing number of schools are asking suppliers to provide a range of writer's notebook prior to the end of the school year. Student writers are then asked to peruse the selection on offer and choose the notebook that best suits their particular needs as a writer for the year ahead.

 This always works better in situations where the young writers have participated in reflective discussion in class, as to the choices available, and how making a more informed decision regarding their needs as writers, increases the sense ownership and engagement. 

 Choice begins with allowing kids to choose the type of writer's notebook they wish to 'own.' One size doesn't fit all writers. Lined, unlined, thick, thin, big, small. The notebook also needs to be easy to transport, not too cumbersome. It needs to be sturdy and the paper quality also needs to be considered.

 Personally, I never choose a notebook with spiral binding. They lack the requisite sturdiness to last the distance. They appear too flimsy. I prefer a notebook with a strong spine. But, that's me...

 Young writers deserved to be alerted to their options. Suppliers can cope with such a request. An increasing number of schools are facilitating this important differentiated change. Students make their choice and these are put aside for them to reconnect with on the first day of the new school year.

Some schools, situated in close proximity to larger stationery stores, have on occasions, organized a visit -a mission if you like. This has enabled young writers to choose their preferred notebook directly from the shelves.  

 It pleases me to hear gratifying stories of writers choosing to start their new notebooks until the current one is completed. I love the authenticness of these writing choices.

 Choice begins here for writers regardless of age or experience. I get to choose what works best for me, and have done so for almost four decades- why shouldn’t this option be extended to the developing writer? It has certainly contributed to my engagement with writing. Choosing my next notebook continues to deliver a genuine buzz. 

 I have also witnessed the barely contained joy that comes bubbling up when a young writer shares their brand new, self selected notebook.

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