Simply put, mentor texts are texts that serve as mentors, or guides, for reading and writing instructions. In writing, these texts will serve as an example of a strategy, craft, or convention that students can study in order to emulate in their own writing. In reading, these texts can be reread multiple times to discuss […]
Mini-Lessons
Writers’ Workshop: Show Don’t Tell
Every elementary Writers’ Workshop teacher has a go-to “Show, Don’t Tell” lesson in which students learn how to show or illustrate what is happening, instead of merely stating it. But do we ever have enough? Do the students ever master this highly important writing skill?? Exactly! So here is another lesson to add to your […]
Writers’ Workshop: Incorporating a Research Unit
How can I stay true to the Writers’ Workshop model while doing what I know to be best practice in research?
Writers’ Workshop: Organizing Ideas for Personal Narrative Drafts
We are getting Writers’ Workshop kicked off school-wide – K-12!
Modeling Generating Ideas with Heart Maps in Elementary
We are getting Writers’ Workshop kicked off school-wide – K-12!
Mini-Lesson Basics
Through my many visits to schools and classrooms, I have realized that there is a myriad of ways the term “mini-lesson” is being used. It’s almost like the “old-fashioned” (according to my kids) game of telephone. A definition began, was passed to another educator, changed slightly, passed to another, and so on. As we start […]