What is a Zute?
A Zute is our nickname for a "Writer's Notebook". We do not call them Writer's Notebooks because we have Writing Journals and it gets too confusing. Writer's Notebooks a.k.a. Zutes are to be carried around by the student in case some idea comes to them. They should be small enough to carry comfortably everywhere. They should be personal and reflect the individual/ author who owns it (the student). Writing Journals are in the classroom and stay in the classroom and are used for the practice of technical and formulaic-type writing such as the persuasive essays and explanitory essays on the NJAsk.

Zute's will eventually contain 10 sections that are learned through future lessons. The sections are suggestions for how the Zute can be used. Initially, students will be required to use each section and to practice them. Eventually, students can tweek these sections to fit their own personal needs. The sections include notes we can take, observations, and word practice (for examples) that will help improve our writing. We call it "a place to write badly" or to practice and make mistakes and not be forced to share it. We look at writing like a sport, where you have to practice and warm up before you can do your best.

The ten sections which are based on Ralph Fletcher's A Writer's Notebook are called:
  1. Unforgettable Stories--other people's stories from the newspaper, tv news, family and/or friends that are compelling, astounding, haunting, impressive, inspiring...
  2. Fierce Wonderings
  3. Writing Small
  4. Seed Ideas
  5. Mind Pictures
  6. Snatches of Talk
  7. Lists
  8. Memories
  9. Writing that Scrapes the Heart
  10. Writing that inspires