Mentor Texts
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
In 'Mentor Texts: Teaching Writing Through Children's Literature, K-6, 2nd Edition,' authors Lynne Dorfman and Rose Cappelli expand on their first edition, providing teachers with enhanced strategies to use children's literature to build student confidence in writing. The book includes new lessons, emphasizes reflection, and integrates updated children's book titles. Organized by characteristics of good writing, it offers practical advice for immediate classroom application, showcasing how to learn to read like writers.
Age
5-7
Length
382 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they encountered challenges? What would you do in their situation?
Which part of the story inspired you the most, and why?
Do any of the characters or situations remind you of something in your own life? How does this change your view of the story?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the book? Have you learned similar lessons in your own experiences?
If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story without interrupting, showing genuine interest in their thoughts and opinions.
Relate the themes or situations from the book to your child’s daily life to make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child’s insights and responses to affirm their critical thinking and comprehension skills, fostering a positive reading experience.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to dig deeper into their understanding and interpretation of the book.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free reading environment to keep your child focused and engaged during the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: Through various stories and interactions between characters, 'Mentor Texts' teaches children to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can use empathy to build stronger friendships, by being considerate and understanding how their actions affect others.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: The book showcases characters who use art, writing, and other forms of creativity to express themselves.
Real-World Application: Children learn to channel their emotions and thoughts through creative activities, enhancing their emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in 'Mentor Texts' often face challenges, yet they continue to strive and persist, highlighting the benefits of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to face academic and personal challenges with determination, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Diversity is celebrated in the book, with characters from various backgrounds learning from each other.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and embrace differences in their peers, which promotes inclusivity and social harmony.
Example Lesson: Importance of reading and learning
Explanation: The book promotes reading as a gateway to knowledge and adventure, seen in how characters grow by engaging with different texts.
Real-World Application: Instilling a love for reading helps children develop a lifelong habit that enhances literacy, focus, and academic performance.