Using students’ writing as mentor texts builds kids’ self-esteem and lifts the level of writing of every other student in the room.
Category: mentor texts
Conferring Toolkits: Mentor Texts
Two elements form the very heart of every conference: the student, and the mentor text I can use to nudge her writing piece forward. ...
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Throwback Week: NOTICE & NOTE AND MEMOIR–WHEN READING WORKSHOP MEETS WRITING WORKSHOP
Let's check in on a moment in Tara's class from early November of last year as she shares connections between reading and writing workshop.
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Q&A with Robert Burleigh + a Book Giveaway
I've been a fan of Robert Burleigh's writing for the past few years. I was delighted to receive an advance review copy of Trapped! A Whale's Rescue, his newest picture book that's out later this month. As soon as I finished reading it, I began researching the story on my own and was fascinated. Trapped! tells of… Continue reading Q&A with Robert Burleigh + a Book Giveaway
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Black History Month & Beyond – My #NF10for10 + 10 Book Giveaways
Today is the annual Nonfiction Picture Book 10 for 10, hosted by Cathy Mere from Reflect and Refine, Mandy Robek of Enjoy and Embrace Learning, and Julie Balen of Write at the Edge. This is my third year participating in this event, which provides me with a chance to expand my nonfiction TBR list. Last… Continue reading Black History Month & Beyond – My #NF10for10 + 10 Book Giveaways
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Seeds of Freedom: A Review & Giveaway
Are you looking for books to add to your Black History Month book list? Are you looking for mentor texts to teach your students certain writing crafts? You can add Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama by Hester Bass to your list. You are going to want a copy of this beautiful new picture… Continue reading Seeds of Freedom: A Review & Giveaway
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Behind the Scenes at the White House: A Q&A with Nonfiction Author Katherine L. House
Just in time for Presidents' Day, I chatted with nonfiction author Katherine L. House about her recent book, White House for Kids. Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of her book.
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Taking Biography to the Next Level: The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra + An Interview + A Giveaway
If you aren't familiar with this delightful biography of Sun Ra by Chris Raschka, you should be. Learn about the ways that this book is a perfect mentor text, and hear about the writing process from the author.
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10 Math & Science Topic Choice Mentors + 10 Book Giveaways
Do you have students who are interested in math and science, but claim they hate writing or don't know what to write about in their writer’s notebooks? Here are 10 newer picture books to inspire them to write about their passion.
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Curating Mentor Text Collections
Get started organizing your mentor texts with four digital tools.
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Demonstration Texts, Part Deux
Thinking about your demonstration texts this way can give you some inspiration for multiple ways to teach the same minilesson, to the whole class, or to small groups as follow-up.
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Four Types of Demonstration Texts
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.
