Mining a Mentor Text/Using a Mentor Text in the Classroom
Children are better able to compose powerful writing when they have a clear vision for what they are making and are immersed in a stack of real world texts. Using authentic published pieces of writing and authentic student writing samples we will consider strategies for using mentor texts at four specific times in writing workshop, including:
- Using a stack of texts to project units of study
- Immersing students in a stack at the beginning of a unit
- Mentor texts as the starting point for mini lessons
- Using mentor texts as a tool for teaching during writing conferences
It is easier to use mentor texts when teachers have a rich understanding of genre, characteristics of published texts, and how texts are structured. Therefore, we will dive into understanding structure and genre more deeply. This will allow teachers to more effectively pull stacks of texts for both genre and non-genre units of study.
In addition, we will examine the important role of reading like a writer to support students in noticing techniques authors use, so that students can try them out in their own writing. By the end of the two days, participants will be able to see more teaching possibilities when studying a mentor text.
NOTE: Participants are asked to bring a bring a printed copy of five pieces of writing with them (picture books, articles, stories).
Target Audience: K-6, Literacy Coaches
Continuum Level: 2 = Deepening Understanding (theory-based learning, investigating models, identifying experts)
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