The Book Whisperer Reader's Notebooks

Discussion Ideas:

1) Have you used Reader's Notebooks in the past? If so what did you like about it?
I'm going to be honest here.  Last year I tried (kind of....a little bit....half-heartedly), but eventually just stopped because I didn't know what the heck I was doing.  Not a good excuse I know.  I think it could have been something great IF I had kept moving forward with them.

2) If you have not used Reader's Notebooks how do you plan to incorporate them this year into your reading program?
I really don't have it all planned out, but here's what I am thinking....so far.  I teach 1st grade, so I will start off slowly and do a lot of modeling.  The beginning of the year may look something like this-- After doing a read aloud, we will talk/discuss/share ideas about the book and write them on chart paper.  Eventually, after lots of practice, the kids will each have their own notebook and write on their own. 

3) How will you schedule the Reader's Notebook due dates in order to be able to effectively read and respond authentically to all your students?
As I said, I'm still trying to work things out in my head (which can be very dangerous!), but I think I will pick the notebooks up once a week.  I want the kids to know that I think what they are writing is valuable, so I want to be sure and respond to their notebook entries. 

"Readers whispering back and forth about their reading experiences-this is how reading should look."  --Donalyn Miller

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