Today, in writing workshop, we intentionally teach students how to write by using authors as our co-teachers. As teachers, we write for and with our students, and our writing can show them the possibilities for their own pieces. We highlight student work too as a mentor text, creating a bridge from what students are currently doing to a more effective way of writing.
Two (more) lesson sets to help you teach the qualities of good writing from picture books by Maribeth Boelts and Nicola Davies.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to write a professional book for teachers alongside a friend? Lynne R. Dorfman and Rose Cappelli show us how it’s done in today’s Author Spotlight post.
Kelly Boswell reminded me of a three step process for using mentor texts with students.
My last post was about some of the reflections that I want to remember when I teach any genre of writing, but I also wanted to share more of our poetry workshop and some of the amazing poems students wrote during our time by the lake. Teaching poetry in an outdoor education setting to fifth-grade students is… Continue reading Have Charts, Will Travel. Mentor texts? Even better!
This is the blog series for you if you are looking for inspiration or advice on using all sorts of mentor texts in your classroom including published books, student work, digital media, and teacher-created texts.
You have the right text now when is the right time?
Use a teacher-written mentor text for your next unit of study
Some of the most influential pieces of writing that have tugged at my heart and live in my soul are blog posts. As we planned this blog series on mentor texts, a lightbulb flashed above my head: Why not create a collection of mentor blog posts to help me improve my own writing? Why not create a similar collection for my students, to share with them possibilities and craft moves they could try, too?
I’ve been researching and working with mentor texts for over a decade. Here’s how I choose them and mine them for craft moves to teach young writers.
As you embark on using, student-written mentor texts push yourself beyond the flawless and visually perfect pieces. Look for the gems buried behind the messy and sometimes crumpled papers. Search for opportunities for all students to shine and guide other writers. All writers have value.
This week at Two Writing Teachers will be sharing ideas about teaching writing with mentor texts: from published books, to student work, digital media, to teacher-created texts. This blog series will inspire you to dive in and find the perfect texts to learn from with your students.
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