BONUS: Power of Writer's Notebooks: Spaces Where Students Write Freely

Discover how writer's notebooks create essential spaces for student creativity and authentic expression in this S4E26 bonus episode featuring insights from Ralph Fletcher's book, A Writer's Notebook: Unlocking the Writer Within You. Learn practical strategies for implementing writer's notebooks in your classroom and providing meaningful feedback that empowers rather than constrains young writers.

🔑 In this episode: 

🌟Why writer's notebooks serve a distinct purpose beyond assignments

🌟How to shift from formulaic writing to authentic expression

🌟The difference between "done" and "done for now" in the writing process

🌟Practical ways to provide feedback that focuses on growth, not just praise

🌟John Hattie's research on effective feedback for student learning

I share my experience implementing writer's folders and notebooks across grade levels and explain how giving students freedom transformed their writing. This episode is perfect for K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, and anyone interested in helping students develop authentic writing voices.

00:00 - Introduction: The power of greenbelt writing 

01:00 - Schoolutions podcast overview 

01:43 - Ralph Fletcher's concept of greenbelt writing 

02:00 - Writing folders vs. writer's notebooks 

03:12 - Breaking free from genre constraints 

04:32 - The problem with writing formulas 

05:12 - Ralph's definition of a writer's notebook 

07:00 - Choosing the right people for writing feedback 

08:23 - Creating in-person writing groups 

10:15 - The writer should control the feedback process 

11:32 - You don't have to accept all feedback 

12:58 - John Hattie's research on effective feedback 

14:25 - Why "great job" isn't helpful feedback 

15:32 - Connecting feedback to zones of proximal development

Episode Mentions:

• A Writer's Notebook: Unlocking the Writer Within You by Ralph Fletcher
• Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning by John Hattie
• Lev Vygotsky’s Zones of Development

Want to learn more about Greenbelt writing and offering students choice as writers? Check out my full S4E26 interview with  Ralph Fletcher.

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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.