Blog Post #8: Notebook Entries

     The first type of notebook entry that I am going to cover is "Reaching into Memory."  This style of notebook entry is when the writer just starts writing what comes to their mind from the past.  The writer is explaining their memories.  Positive and negative memories could be explained by the writer.  I chose this specific type of notebook entry because when students get to middle school they have many memories about Math and how they have experienced Math in school.  In my content area of Math, I can have students write in their notebooks what comes to their mind from the past when I mention a specific vocabulary word or way to approach a problem.  If I am introducing a new, complex topic I could have students "reach into their memory" and write about what they know about the new topic.  Writing is useful in Math class.

    The second type of notebook entry that I want to mention is "Thinking in Words."  This type of notebook entry is when students write in their notebook what they are thinking in their mind.  This is useful because students are able to practice writing what they are actually thinking about.  I chose this type of notebook entry because an important part of having success in Math is being able to explain the process you used to arrive at the correct answer.  In my content area I could have students write in their notebook what they are thinking when they solve a specific problem, or a type of problem.  This process will help students to become aware of the process they are using to arrive at their answer to a Math problem.  

    My ideas on the "Intentional Strategies Versus Assignments" is that teachers should encourage their students to write in their notebooks not just for assignments, but also when they want to document their thoughts or interests.  Students should understand that writing can be done outside of school and that writing can be considered as a fun activity.  Sometimes the best writing entries in our notebooks are entries that we decided to write about and that were not given to us as an assignment.  When students write about their outside of school experiences and interests, then those entries usually end up as their best writing.