What to Do with Empty Notebooks: Creative Ideas for Utilizing Your School Supplies

Many students find themselves with an abundance of notebooks that they no longer need, especially as their school subjects diversify and new equipment comes in. What are you to do with those empty, college-ruled notebooks you’ve been sitting on? Here are some creative and practical ideas to help you make the most out of them.

Purposeful Ways to Use Your Notebooks

There are numerous ways to make use of your empty notebooks beyond what you might have initially thought. These versatile books can be transformed into tools for personal growth, academic improvement, and creative expression. Let’s explore some interesting possibilities for your notebooks.

Teach Yourself Books

Consider using your notebooks for self-study with a “Teach Yourself” book. For example, you might have a “Learn Latin” book lying around. Invest a few months in these exercises and reap the benefits of self-directed learning. You can dive into this subject at your own pace and deepen your knowledge without needing a formal tutor.

Poetry and Creative Writing

If you’ve ever dreamed of penning poetry, now is the time to start. Stephen Fry’s “The Ode Less Travelled” is a great resource to begin with. It can guide you through the process of writing poetry and provide exercises to help you develop your poetic skills. Poetry might initially clear a room, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s a wonderful outlet for your creative energies.

Sketching and Drawing

While you may not consider yourself an artist, it’s worth a try. Sketching and drawing can be fun and can help you develop fine motor skills. Even if your sketches aren’t museum-quality, practicing can improve your hand-eye coordination and creativity. You could start with simple stick figures and work your way up. Let your imagination guide you.

Screenplay Conversations

If you’re interested in writing scripts or stories, try capturing real-life conversations. The book suggests jotting down snippets of actual conversations to capture how real people talk. This can enhance the authenticity of your writing when you need to create dialogue. It’s a great way to observe and learn from the natural language of everyday interactions.

Firestarters, Paper Aeroplanes, and Origami

While a bit more destructive in nature, you could use your notebooks for fire starters, paper aeroplanes, and origami. Origami can be a relaxing and meditative activity. Just remember to stay safe and only use paper that is intended for such purposes. Paper aeroplanes can be a fun way to pass the time, and fire starters offer a practical skill that can come in handy in various situations.

Writing Poetry: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Learn the Basics: Start by reading Stephen Fry’s “The Ode Less Travelled” to get an understanding of the basic forms and techniques of poetry.2. Experiment with Forms: Try writing haikus, free verse, and sonnets. Each form has its unique structure and style.3. Read More Poetry: Read poetry from different genres and time periods. This can inspire your writing and help you develop your own style.4. Write Regularly: Set aside time every day to write. Even if it’s just a few lines, regular practice can help improve your skills.5. Revise and Refine: Don’t be afraid to revise your work. Good poetry often comes from multiple drafts and iterations.

Conclusion

By exploring these creative uses for your empty notebooks, you can find new ways to engage with your studies and creative interests. Whether you turn to self-study, poetry, sketching, or other activities, your notebooks can serve as a canvas for personal growth and enjoyment. So take some time to think about how these notebooks could enrich your life and perhaps even help someone else in need.