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Mentor Texts for Writers: Finding Authentic Voice in Cultural Mentor Texts by Keila Dawson
Keila and I share something in common. We are both Third Culture people. Keila is a TCA (Third Culture Adult) and I’m a TCK (Third Culture Kid). In other words, we’ve lived in countries that are different from our passport country. What I love about Keila’s approach to mentor texts…
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Baseball Books as Mentor Texts: MIGHTY JACKIE by Marissa Moss
Mighty Jackie: The Strikeout Queen By Marissa Moss Illustrated by C.F. Payne Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster, 2004 Jackie had been pitching her whole life, even getting coaching and encouragement from a former Brooklyn Dodger pitcher. But girls couldn’t play major league baseball. Her team played an exhibition game against…
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Writing Wednesday: Using HERE COME THE HUMPBACKS as a Writing Mentor Text
HERE COME THE HUMPBACKS By April Pulley Sayre Illustrated by Jamie Hogan Charlesbridge, 2013 This nonfiction book about humpback whales combines lyrical first lines on each page, with narrative facts and separate factoids on each page. Beautifully written and chock-full of information that will delight animal lovers, it…
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Writing Wednesday: Using MOONSHOT as a Mentor Text for Writing
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 By Brian Floca Atheneum, 2009 This narrative nonfiction text tells the story of the Apollo 11 mission from Earth to the moon and back again. It is a very poetic but very informative text of this landmark event in history. It’s not…
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Writing Wednesday: Revision Cards and Mentor Text Videos
Revision cards break the task of revision into manageable chunks. They feature revision suggestions for: * beginnings * description * staying on topic * titles * putting boring words to bed * visualizing * onomatopoeia * sensory words * details * endings * strong verbs * clearing up…
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Writing Wednesday: Use FROG SONG as a Mentor Text for Writing
FROG SONG by Brenda Z. Guiberson illustrated by Gennady Spirin Henry Holt, 2013 Different types of unusual frogs from around the world are brought to life in this book with interesting facts, onomatopoeic frog sounds, and gorgeous paintings. Writing Skills: * Nonfiction writing * Onomatopoeia * Specificity…
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Mentor Text Spreadsheet: Picture Book Month in Review
Picture Book Month is officially over. But I have created one last thing to share with you on mentor texts. Each day, I shared a mentor text post with you featuring different ways that each of these books could be used to teach writing skills to young…
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Picture Book Month Day #27: Picture Books as Writing Mentor Texts featuring GHOST IN THE HOUSE
GHOST IN THE HOUSE by Ammi-Joan Paquette Illustrated by Adam Record Candlewick, 2013 Summary: When a ghost, a mummy, a skeleton, and a witch all go sneaking through the house, they are most startled by a little human boy. Mentor Text Writing Skills: * Adjectives * Onomatopoeia…
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Picture Book Month Day 17: Picture Books as Writing Mentor Texts Featuring BUFFALO MUSIC
BUFFALO MUSIC By Tracey E. Fern Illustrated by Lauren Castillo Clarion, 2008 Summary: Inspired by the story of Mary Ann Goodnight, this historical fiction story is about a young lady who raised orphan buffalo in Texas and eventually sent them to Yellowstone National Park. Mentor Text Writing Skills:…
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Picture Book Month Day 9: Picture Books as Writing Mentor Texts Featuring RATTLETRAP CAR
RATTLETRAP CAR By Phyllis Root Illustrated by Jill Barton Candlewick, 2001 Summary: Three children and their father really want to go to the lake, but their rattletrap car doesn’t really have enough gumption to make it there. They use every item they brought for the lake to patch…
