The way I felt about starting my first garden is probably how a lot of kids feel during writing workshop when we give mysterious directions to "add more detail" or "grab the reader's interest." The language many of us use during writing workshop probably makes perfect sense to adults--but for kids we need to be more explicit. Teaching just by telling is not enough.
Category: mentor texts
I’m My Own Dog + A Giveaway
This book will serve many purposes in your writing workshop, not the least of which is a good laugh. Comment on the post to enter the giveaway!
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Notice & Note and Memoir: When Reading Workshop Meets Writing Workshop
We were in the midst of a lively mentor text analysis of James Howe’s “Everything Will Be Okay” for our just-launched memoir unit. I was thrilled to see my sixth graders making note of the way in which Howe had woven in various characteristics of memoir (the mini-lesson of the day!), but less than thrilled… Continue reading Notice & Note and Memoir: When Reading Workshop Meets Writing Workshop
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Work Smarter: Picture Books That Pack a Punch + Giveaways!
What picture books pack a punch for you in the workshop? Here are seven titles that are sure to give you bang for your buck.
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Two New Mentor Texts I Adore + Book Giveaways
I've always been a diary and letter person. I have loads of journals from my childhood and post-college years. To this day, I relish letters I saved from my childhood since they're a permanent reminder of a time in my life. In these days of e-mail, texts, and Tweets, correspondence and journals can be savored.… Continue reading Two New Mentor Texts I Adore + Book Giveaways
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Oral Mentor Texts + a Giveaway!
Assuming that children understand the elements of a story is assuming too much. These elements must be taught if they are meant to be used in the writing process.
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10 Topic Choice Mentor Texts
Do you have students who claim they don't know what to write about in their writer's notebooks? Here are 10 new picture books to inspire them to write.
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Inquiry-Based Centers in Grades 3-8
Inquiry-based centers introduce kids to mentor texts while helping them find their own mentor texts.
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The Story of the Giant Sequoia
Tony Johnston and Wendell Minor's new book, Sequoia, will be published later this month. Recently, both of them were gracious with their time and granted me interviews. Hear what they have to say about writing and illustrating. Get a sneak peek at this exquisite text you can use to infuse your students' informational writing with poetry.
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5 Ideas to Create a Classroom of Writers
How do you help your students establish their identity as writers?
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Reading Fuels Writing
Need some inspiration to write? Fall into a great book and read like a writer!
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A Picture Book That Pushes the Growth Mindset
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires will help you to initiate a conversation with about the importance of possessing a growth mindset. It's also a fantastic mentor text for writing workshop!
