Mentor texts are important co-teachers in the writing workshop! Here's an in-depth look at the mentor texts I talked about in a recent podcast. After you finish reading, be sure to leave a comment after on this post for a chance to win all ten of the featured books!
Category: fiction
Staying on the Rails: Structuring Fictional Stories
How do you broaden creativity while fostering story structure?
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Where to Begin: Developing Fiction Writers
My students have been getting sparked by a character to develop believable stories in their realistic fiction unit.
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Building a House of Fiction on a Foundation of Nonfiction
Meet Lester Laminack at the corner of story and information. You’ll chat a while. He’ll introduce you to a couple of characters and walk with you through the South Carolina Lowcountry. And hopefully you’ll leave filled with new information.
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Keeping It Real: Writing Realistic Fiction for Teens
Author Renee Watson writes books that mirror what is happening in our world. It is her way of saying to a reader, "Yes, I see it too. I see you."
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The Freedom That Comes With Constriction: Flash Fiction
Writing flash fiction can be liberating, exhilarating, and great writing process practice.
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Ending Where We Began: Writing Realistic Fiction
Looking for a way to end the writing year with transference, engagement, and noticeable growth? Choosing a familiar writing unit may be just the way.
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Words that are Speaking to Me
Fiction is not a dream, nor is it guesswork. It is imagining based on facts, and the facts must be accurate or the work of imagining will not stand up. ---Margaret Culkin Banning
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Bits of This & That
Remember this letter that Allie sent to Eve Bunting last fall along with The Ghostly Scary Mystery she wrote dedicated to Eve Bunting? Allie got a response! Yes, there was a form letter, but she also received a personal note from Eve. Wanna see the response? Click here. While getting to know characters, one fourth grader… Continue reading Bits of This & That
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Plotting Short Fiction
Last month at MRA, I listened to Jacqueline Woodson speak about her writing process. It wasn't the first time I heard her speak and I hope it won't be my last. She is one of the writers I consider as my personal mentor. Not to be over-dramatic, but listening to her last month changed my… Continue reading Plotting Short Fiction
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Fiction + Research
Some of you know I've been dabbling with writing fiction for the past six months. I've also had the pleasure of leading a fiction writing unit of study in two different classrooms this school year. One of the things I'm noticing about myself as a fiction writer is a natural affinity for research. It's not… Continue reading Fiction + Research
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Stories Matter
“If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive.” —Barry Lopez Stories matter. A lot. Here are some reasons why . . . Stories help us reflect on life and understand where we've been… Continue reading Stories Matter
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 