September’s Bingo Card – Writer’s Notebook Challenges
Instructions: After responding to any of the ideas on this page with a decorated ½-page or full-page addition to your writer’s notebook, color in the
completed box with a yellow highlighter. When you create any “five-in-a-row” Bingos, a “Four Corners,” or a complete “Blackout” of the whole
card, come and show your teacher to receive a special sticker for your work!
Create a half- or fullpage tribute to your
favorite food. Use
words and pictures!
Create a three-panel
comic strip that shows
a student who doesn’t
know how to study.
Personify an Abstract
Noun! Choose a day of
the week and turn it
into a “person.”
“Convince Me!” Prompt
Unusual Nightmares Prompt!
Attach a new image
Describe and illustrate (photo, magazine, etc.)
Think of a school rule
you don’t like. Write a a bad dream that any
to a notebook page.
persuasive argument. invertebrate may have.
Write about it!
What does a cloud
Make a list of good
Launch a list or a
think about? Answer
advice for a (real or
creative description
this question creatively
imaginary) younger
that captures your idea
in your notebook.
brother or sister.
of a “perfect day.”
Celebrate one of your
Describe a room in
September’s
favorite words by
your home from a
Teacher-Guided Lesson
turning it into an
unique point of view—
ABC’s of Things You
acrostic poem.
like an insect’s.
Might Write This Year
What two numbers
feud the most? Answer
this question creatively
in your notebook.
You’re on a deserted
island. You’re allowed
three books and three
songs. Which ones?
Look at your ABC’s of
Things You Might Write
This Year list. Begin one
in your notebook!
Create a three-column
(nouns, adjs., verbs)
word bank on this
topic: School Words
Turn a current event into
a “recipe” by listing
“ingredients” and
explaining how to “mix”
those ingredients.
Create an
advertisement to sell
one of your favorite
articles of clothing.
Think of a family
expression or inside
joke and explain it using
details and illustrations.
Make a list of six
writing topics you think
your fellow classmates
would like to write to.
Write about a true or
fictional embarrassing
moment. Provide an
illustration!
Start a page where you can
record your favorite clean
jokes. Write 2 or 3 down.
Record more on this page
as the year progresses.
“I was totally terrified!”
Write a short narrative
where this is your first
sentence. Illustrate it!
Weird e-mail correspondence!
If a pet could e-mail its
owner, what would the
e-mail say? Write it!
Worst or best? Put one of
these two adjectives in
front of the word friend
and write about what
comes to mind.
Remember, you don’t have to use the ideas on this Bingo card; these are simply suggestions if you find yourself needing an idea on a writer’s notebook day in
class. By the end of the year, I actually expect you to be discovering your own writing ideas for your notebook most of the time!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
© 2011. Corbett Harrison Educational Consultants, LLC. All rights reserved. Teachers may reprint freely for classroom use.
If sharing this document with adults, this page citation must be left intact. (http://corbettharrison.com)
October’s Bingo Card – Writer’s Notebook Challenges
Instructions: After responding to any of the ideas on this page with a decorated ½-page or full-page addition to your writer’s notebook, color in
the completed box with a yellow highlighter. You need to create any “five-in-a-row,” a “Four Corners,” or a complete “Blackout”of your Bingo card
for your out of class assignments for the month. Writings will be graded as homework with a total possible of 200 points. They will be due on the
last class day of each month. Be creative, and include small personal drawings in your pages to make your entries more interesting and
entertaining.
Describe the full moon
or the rising sun from a
werewolf or vampire’s
point of view.
Explain/illustrate with Start a page where you can Quote a song, book, or Recording Science Rhymes!
record onomatopoetic
List 3 science vocab
detailed steps how you
a movie that offered
words. Write 10 or 15
words that you can
do something you’re
good advice. Justify
down. Record more on this
pretty good at doing.
page throughout the year. why the advice is good. make 5-10 rhymes for.
3-minutes of dialogue!
What does a heart
Make a “Top 5” List!
Personify an Abstract
think about? Answer Cite 5 detailed reasons Noun! Choose a school Create a short script where
two characters discuss or
this question creatively why a classmate should subject and turn it into complain about how their
in your notebook.
read a book you liked.
a “person.”
book or novel ended.
Justify with multiple
Create a half- or fullWhat breakfast cereals
October’s
reasons why a kid your
page tribute to your
Teacher-Guided Lesson feud the most? Answer
age should or shouldn’t favorite character from “Life is a Cookbook:” this question creatively
be allowed to vote.
a book you liked.
in your notebook.
Recipe Writes
Worst or best? Put one of
Make a list of advice
Create an
Living the Dream!
these superlatives in front
for others who may be
advertisement to sell
If you could design it,
of the word week-end and
assigned to work with one of your sibling’s (or
what would your
write about what comes to
you in a small group.
parents’) possessions. dream car do/look like?
mind. Illustrate the writing.
Weird e-mail correspondence!
“Why did you blush?”
Create a comic that
List 5-10 things you can
What e-mail might a Write a narrative with a shows a student having do inside during a rainy
historical figure send to
first sentence that
the worst school
recess instead of going
your history teacher? answers that question.
picture day ever!
outside to catch cold.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
© 2011. Corbett Harrison Educational Consultants, LLC. All rights reserved. Teachers may reprint freely for classroom use.
If sharing this document with adults, this page citation must be left intact. (http://corbettharrison.com)
Give voice to a pristine
place and have the
place explain how it
feels about humans.
Create a three-column
(nouns, adjs., verbs)
word bank on this
topic: Halloween
Attach a new image
(photo, magazine, etc.)
to a notebook page.
Write about it!
Look at your ABC’s of
Things You Might Write
This Year list. Begin one
you haven’t written to!
November’s Bingo Card – Writer’s Notebook Challenges
Instructions: After responding to any of the ideas on this page with a decorated ½-page or full-page addition to your writer’s notebook, color in the
completed box with a yellow highlighter. When you create any “five-in-a-row” Bingos, a “Four Corners,” or a complete “Blackout” of the whole
card, come and show your teacher to receive a special sticker for your work!
Unusual Science Cookbook!
Write new “recipe” for
a scientific concept, like
a volcano or black hole.
“I was completely calm!”
Write a short narrative
where this is your first
sentence. Illustrate it!
What two holidays feud
the most? Answer this
question creatively in
your notebook.
What does a turkey
think about? Answer
this question creatively
in your notebook.
List 5-10 things that
took place this last year
that won’t make it into
the holiday newsletter.
Attach a new image
(photo, magazine, etc.)
to a notebook page.
Write about it!
Create a comic strip
that shows a student
having the worst luck in
the lunchroom!
Worst or best? Put one of
these superlatives in front
of the word mentor and
write about what comes to
mind. Illustrate the writing.
Invent a new library
that allows you to
check out more unique
things than books.
Look at your ABC’s of
Things You Might Write
This Year list. Begin one
you haven’t written to!
Create an
advertisement to rent
one of your favorite
memories to others.
Create a three-column
(nouns, adjs., verbs)
word bank on this
topic: Family
“What did you lose?” Weird e-mail correspondence!
If a lost toy could eWrite a narrative with a
mail its owner, what
first sentence that
answers that question. would it say? Write it!
Create a half- or fullJustify it! Explain why
page tribute to your
magic needs to exist to
favorite month/season
someone who has a
in your notebook.
very scientific mind.
Illustrate and label the Start a page where you can
November’s
record oxymorons or
Teacher-Guided Lesson parts of a new machine palindromes. Write 2 or 3
you’d invent for doing down. Record more on this
16-Word Poems: So
your homework.
Much Depends Upon…
page throughout the year.
In an interesting way,
Explain it! An outer
In one paragraph, take
share the story of how
space alien wants to
something boring (like
you obtained your first know how/why you do mashed potatoes) and
or your middle name.
something routine.
make it exciting!
Unusual Nightmares Prompt!
Living the Dream!
Describe a historical
Describe and illustrate
If you could design it,
ship or vessel from a
a bad dream a carnival
what would your
ship rat’s point of view.
ride might have.
dream bedroom be? Be historically accurate.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
© 2011. Corbett Harrison Educational Consultants, LLC. All rights reserved. Teachers may reprint freely for classroom use.
If sharing this document with adults, this page citation must be left intact. (http://corbettharrison.com)
Remember, you don’t have to use the ideas on this Bingo card; these are simply suggestions if you find yourself needing an idea on a writer’s notebook day in
class. By the end of the year, I actually expect you to be discovering your own writing ideas for your notebook most of the time!
December’s Bingo Card – Writer’s Notebook Challenges
Instructions: After responding to any of the ideas on this page with a decorated ½-page or full-page addition to your writer’s notebook, color in the
completed box with a yellow highlighter. When you create any “five-in-a-row” Bingos, a “Four Corners,” or a complete “Blackout” of the whole
card, come and show your teacher to receive a special sticker for your work!
Create a half- or full“When did it click?”
Describe an interesting
If a predator could epage tribute to your
Write a narrative with a historical location from
mail its prey, what
favorite place/location
first sentence that
an intelligent ghost’s
would the e-mail say?
in your notebook.
answers that question.
point of view.
“Convince Me!” Prompt
Justify it! Think of 2-3
What does a cell think
Make a list of advice
Illustrate and label the
things the world would Think of food that’s not
about? Answer this
for someone who may parts of a new machine
nutritious. Write an
be better without.
question creatively in
be doing some gift
you’d invent for doing
Argue for elimination. argument for eating it.
your notebook.
shopping for you soon. a least favorite chore.
Unusual Math Cookbook!
Personify an Abstract
Attach a new image
What might different
December’s
Write “recipe” for a
Noun! Choose a
(photo, magazine, etc.) Teacher-Guided Lesson
colors smell or taste
solving a certain type
powerful emotion and
to a notebook page.
like? Answer this for
Personifying Your
of
math
problem.
turn it into a “person.”
Write about it!
eight different colors.
Vocabulary Words
Living the Dream!
Create an ad to sell
Look at your ABC’s of
List/detail the perfect Create a three-column
If you could design it,
your favorite color to Things You Might Write
“five-stop vacation”
(nouns, adjs., verbs)
what would your
someone who doesn’t This Year list. Begin one
you’d take next
word bank on this
dream backyard be?
appreciate that color. you haven’t written to!
summer, if possible.
topic: Winter
Worst or best? Put one of
What two veggies feud Recording History Rhymes! Start a page where you can Write a new So Much
record favorite quotes said
List 3 history vocab
the most? Answer this
Depends Upon… poem these superlatives in front
by book characters. Write
of the word sleep-over and
words that you can
question creatively in
that is about a topic
2-3 down now. Record
write about what comes to
make 5-10 rhymes for. more throughout the year. you studied in history. mind. Illustrate the writing.
your notebook.
Weird e-mail correspondence!
List 5-10 things you
could do with a
Tupperware container
of saved freezer snow.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
© 2011. Corbett Harrison Educational Consultants, LLC. All rights reserved. Teachers may reprint freely for classroom use.
If sharing this document with adults, this page citation must be left intact. (http://corbettharrison.com)
Remember, you don’t have to use the ideas on this Bingo card; these are simply suggestions if you find yourself needing an idea on a writer’s notebook day in
class. By the end of the year, I actually expect you to be discovering your own writing ideas for your notebook most of the time!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
© 2011. Corbett Harrison Educational Consultants, LLC. All rights reserved. Teachers may reprint freely for classroom use.
If sharing this document with adults, this page citation must be left intact. (http://corbettharrison.com)
January’s Bingo Card – Writer’s Notebook Challenges
Instructions: After responding to any of the ideas on this page with a decorated ½-page or full-page addition to your writer’s notebook, color in the
completed box with a yellow highlighter. When you create any “three-in-a-row” Bingos, a “Three Corners,” or a complete “Blackout” of the whole
card, come and show your teacher to receive a special sticker for your work!
Attach a new image
(photo, magazine, etc.)
to a notebook page.
Write about it!
What does water think
about? Answer this
question creatively in
your notebook.
Unusual Nightmares Prompt!
List 3 or more detailed
Describe and illustrate reasons why kids your
a bad dream any reptile age should/should not
might have.
be allowed to drive.
Start a page where you can
record alliterative phrases
you find in readings. Write
2 - 3 down now. Record
more throughout the year.
Weird e-mail correspondence!
If an angry fraction
could e-mail a decimal,
what would it write?
Illustrate and label the Create a three-column
parts of a new machine
(nouns, adjs., verbs)
you’d invent for
word bank on this
washing your pet.
topic: Sports Words
Personify an Abstract “Where did you hide?”
Noun! Choose a new Write a narrative with a
math vocab word and
first sentence that
turn it into a “person.” answers that question.
Find a published poem
Look at your ABC’s of
Create a half- or fullthat you like, and write Things You Might Write
page tribute to your
an original, short poem This Year list. Begin one favorite school subject
that has the same title. you haven’t written to!
in your notebook.
Worst or best? Put one of
List 5-10 things you
What two planets feud
these superlatives in front
can’t do but your
the most? Answer this
of the word advice and
parents can. Use tone
question creatively in
write about what comes to
to convey feelings.
your notebook.
mind. Illustrate the writing.
January’s
Describe your favorite
piece of technology
Teacher-Guided Lesson
from a much older
Establishing and
Extending Metaphors person’s point of view.
“I was horribly hot!”
Personify a vocabulary
Write a short narrative word recently studied
where this is your first in science class. Write
sentence. Illustrate it!
and illustrate!
Living the Dream!
Justify it! Create
If you could design it,
arguments in favor of
what would your
the age when kids need
dream job be?
no more babysitters.
Describe a child
receiving really bad
advice from his/her
imaginary friend.
Write a new So Much
Depends Upon… poem
that is about a topic
you studied in science.
Create an
advertisement to sell
one of the best books
you’ve ever read.
Remember, you don’t have to use the ideas on this Bingo card; these are simply suggestions if you find yourself needing an idea on a writer’s notebook day in
class. By the end of the year, I actually expect you to be discovering your own writing ideas for your notebook most of the time!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
© 2011. Corbett Harrison Educational Consultants, LLC. All rights reserved. Teachers may reprint freely for classroom use.
If sharing this document with adults, this page citation must be left intact. (http://corbettharrison.com)
February’s Bingo Card – Writer’s Notebook Challenges
Instructions: After responding to any of the ideas on this page with a decorated ½-page or full-page addition to your writer’s notebook, color in the
completed box with a yellow highlighter. When you create any “five-in-a-row” Bingos, a “Four Corners,” or a complete “Blackout” of the whole
card, come and show your teacher to receive a special sticker for your work!
Weird e-mail correspondence!
Create an
advertisement to sell a If a misused appliance
modern scientific idea could e-mail its owner,
what would it write?
to a primitive culture.
Write a new So Much
“Why did you lie?”
Depends Upon… poem Write a narrative with a
that is about a topic
first sentence that
you studied in math.
answers that question.
Make a list of advice
Create an interesting
for someone who may
original metaphor for
be planning a romantic jealousy. “Extend it” in
gesture this month.
your notebook.
With a pirate’s voice,
What two plants feud
write step-by-step
the most? Answer this
directions for finding
question creatively in
your hidden treasure.
your notebook.
What does a math
Illustrate and label the
problem think about? parts of a new machine
Answer this creatively
you’d invent for
in your notebook.
babysitting.
Justify it! Cite detailed
reasons why Feb 14th
should/should not be
celebrated at school.
Living the Dream!
If you could design it,
what would your
dream city be like?
Attach a new image
(photo, magazine, etc.)
to a notebook page.
Write about it!
Describe the sun or an
unseasonal heat wave
from a snowman’s
point-of-view.
“Convince Me!” Prompt
February’s
Free Write
Think of a bad habit
someone has. Write a
persuasive argument.
Personify a new vocab
word recently studied
in history class. Write
and illustrate!
Create a three-column
(nouns, adjs., verbs)
word bank on this
topic: Emotion Words
List 5-10 things/games
you do/play to alleviate
boredom when you’re
standing in a line.
Write new “recipe” for
a past event, like a war
or movement.
Worst or best? Put one of
these superlatives in front
of the word valentine and
write about what comes to
mind. Illustrate the writing.
List 3 math vocab
words that you can
make 5-10 rhymes for.
Create a half- or fullpage tribute to your
favorite family member
in your notebook.
Personify an Abstract
Noun! Choose a
natural disaster and
turn it into a “person.”
Look at your ABC’s of
Things You Might Write
This Year list. Begin one
you haven’t written to!
Unusual History Cookbook!
Recording Math Rhymes!
Remember, you don’t have to use the ideas on this Bingo card; these are simply suggestions if you find yourself needing an idea on a writer’s notebook day in
class. By the end of the year, I actually expect you to be discovering your own writing ideas for your notebook most of the time!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
© 2011. Corbett Harrison Educational Consultants, LLC. All rights reserved. Teachers may reprint freely for classroom use.
If sharing this document with adults, this page citation must be left intact. (http://corbettharrison.com)
March’s Bingo Card – Writer’s Notebook Challenges
Instructions: After responding to any of the ideas on this page with a decorated ½-page or full-page addition to your writer’s notebook, color in the
completed box with a yellow highlighter. When you create any “five-in-a-row” Bingos, a “Four Corners,” or a complete “Blackout” of the whole
card, come and show your teacher to receive a special sticker for your work!
Create an ad to sell an
original snack item you
invent, like chocolatecovered pizza.
Living the Dream!
If you could design it,
what would your
dream vacation be?
Personify an Abstract
Noun! Turn gossip or
prejudice into a person
on a notebook page.
Look at your ABC’s of
Things You Might Write
This Year list. Begin one
you haven’t written to!
Justify it! If science
wasn’t an issue, what
planet should mankind
colonize first?
Justify it! Cite detailed
reasons why a new
technology fad won’t
(or shouldn’t) last.
Write a new So Much
Depends Upon… Poem
that is about character
from a novel you like.
List 5-10 arguments
you could make for
being allowed to have a
new pet or room.
Create a three-column
(nouns, adjs., verbs)
word bank on this
topic: Weather Words.
Create a half- or fullpage tribute to your
favorite game in your
writer’s notebook.
What does a moth
Create a new metaphor Worst or best? Put one of
these superlatives in front
think about? Answer
for recent science
of the word mistake and
this question creatively content. “Extend it” in write about what comes to
in your notebook.
your notebook.
mind. Illustrate the writing.
Weird e-mail correspondence!
Attach a new image
Describe the dryer or
(photo, magazine, etc.) If a crayon could e-mail the washer from one of
advice to a child, what
to a notebook page.
your sock’s point of
would
the
e-mail
say?
Write about it!
view.
With a mosquito’s
Illustrate and label the
March’s
parts of the most
Teacher-Guided Lesson voice, write step-bystep instructions on
perfect backpack a
Rhyming Slogans
feeding oneself.
student could own.
Across the Curriculum
“Why seek revenge?”
What two sports feud Unusual Nightmares Prompt!
Write a narrative with a the most? Answer this Describe and illustrate
a bad dream a
first sentence that
question creatively in
geometric shape has.
answers that question.
your notebook.
Draw/label a blueprint “I was simply speechless!” Personify a new vocab
of your home. Highlight Write a short narrative word recently studied
where this is your first
3-4 places where fun
in math class. Write
things have happened. sentence. Illustrate it!
and illustrate!
Remember, you don’t have to use the ideas on this Bingo card; these are simply suggestions if you find yourself needing an idea on a writer’s notebook day in
class. By the end of the year, I actually expect you to be discovering your own writing ideas for your notebook most of the time!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
© 2011. Corbett Harrison Educational Consultants, LLC. All rights reserved. Teachers may reprint freely for classroom use.
If sharing this document with adults, this page citation must be left intact. (http://corbettharrison.com)
April’s Bingo Card – Writer’s Notebook Challenges
Instructions: Choose any 4 assignments to write about. You must choose 3 journal entries and 1 list or drawing assignment. All
entries must be 1 page in length.
Create a three-column
Write a new So Much
(nouns, adjs., verbs)
Depends Upon… poem
word bank on this topic: that is about grammar or
Springtime.
punctuation.
Create an interesting
With a food critic’s
new metaphor for a
voice, describe a meal
history topic. “Extend it” once eaten in the school
in your notebook.
cafeteria.
Create a list of 5-10
items that—if brought
to a sleep-over—would
improve the event!
What internal organs feud
the most? Answer this
question creatively in
your notebook.
April’s
Teacher-Guided
Lesson
Superlative
Paragraphs
Living the Dream!
If money were not an
issue, what would your
dream weekend be?
Attach a new image
(photo, magazine, etc.)
to a notebook page.
Write about it!
Look at your ABC’s of
Things You Might Write
This Year list. Begin one
you haven’t written to!
Create 5 new rhyming
slogans about math or
science and illustrate
them in your notebook.
Describe a vegetable
garden from a bee or a
brand new seedling’s
point of view.
“Where is the scar?”
Write a narrative with a
first sentence that
answers that question.
Personify a new vocab
word recently studied in
reading class. Write and
illustrate!
What does your iPod think
about? Answer this
question creatively in
your notebook.
“Convince Me!” Prompt
Think of a parental rule
you don’t like. Write a
persuasive argument.
List 5-10 images that
Personify an Abstract
Create an advertisement
you look for when you
Noun! Take one of the
to sell one of your
want to be sure spring
six writing traits and
chores to a classmate.
has finally arrived.
turn it into a “person.”
Worst or best? Put one of
these superlatives in
Make a list of advice that Weird e-mail correspondence!
front of the word
a dog, cat, or other pet
If musical instruments
invention and write about might give, if it had the could gripe with e-mail,
what comes to mind.
ability to do so.
what would they say?
Illustrate the writing.
Illustrate and label the
parts of a new machine
you’d invent to change
whole world.
+
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
© 2011. Corbett Harrison Educational Consultants, LLC. All rights reserved. Teachers may reprint freely for classroom use.
If sharing this document with adults, this page citation must be left intact. (http://corbettharrison.com)
Create a half- or fullpage tribute to your
favorite restaurant in
your writer’s notebook.
List 10-20 things that
you can physically do
now that you won’t be
able to in 25 years.
May’s Bingo Card – Writer’s Notebook Challenges
Instructions: Choose any five writings you like; 4 topics and 1 list or drawing. All of your topics need to be 1 full page in length.
What does a genius think
about? Answer this
question creatively in
your notebook.
With a P.E. teacher’s
voice, explain the perils
of watching too much
television.
Living the Dream!
If you could design it,
what would your dream
computer do?
Invent several original
characters that have
interesting names.
Describe & draw them.
What two English words
feud the most? Answer
this creatively in your
notebook.
Design an original award
that you would give to
someone you’ve learned
to respect.
Create an interesting,
new metaphor for a math
topic. “Extend it” in
your notebook.
May’s
Teacher-Guided
If a book’s character eLesson
mailed his/her author,
Interesting Story
what might be said?
Titles for Summer
Writing
Attach a new image
Create a three-column What are 5-10 annoying
(photo, magazine, etc.)
(nouns, adjs., verbs)
things you wish the
to a notebook page.
word bank on this topic: police could give people
Write about it!
vacation
tickets for?
Unusual Nightmares Prompt!
Create 3 new rhyming
Create an ad that tries to
slogans for social studies Describe and illustrate a
sell a disease you’ve
bad dream a book’s
and illustrate them in
learned about to
character might have.
your notebook.
someone healthy.
Weird e-mail correspondence!
Look at your ABC’s of
Things You Might Write
This Year list. Begin one
you haven’t written to!
Write a speech that
would convince a good
friend to eat your leastfavorite food.
Personify an Abstract
Noun! Choose a
periodic element and
turn it into a “person.”
Describe a bad piece of
writing from a
punctuation mark’s
point-of-view.
Worst or best? Put one of
these superlatives in front of
the word game and write
about what comes to mind.
Illustrate the writing.
“What fell & broke?”
Write a narrative with a
first sentence that
answers that question.
Personify a new vocab
word from the year you
just like the sound of.
Write and illustrate!
Illustrate and label the
parts of a new machine
you’d invent to annoy
one of your teachers.
List 5-10 pieces of good
advice you’d give to a
new student coming to
this class next year.
“I was probably too honest!”
Write a short narrative
where this is your first
sentence.
Remember, you don’t have to use the ideas on this Bingo card; these are simply suggestions if you find yourself needing an idea on a writer’s notebook day in class. By
the end of the year, I actually expect you to be discovering your own writing ideas for your notebook most of the time!
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