It's essential to keep mentor texts meaningful for students so they can learn how to use them effectively and independently. In this episode, Stacey shares four practical strategies to encourage children to return to mentor texts repeatedly. These include whole-class text studies, the "return and reflect" process, using craft move charts in picture books, and encouraging students to "read like a writer" when they're reading for pleasure. By implementing these techniques, teachers can help their students become more independent writers in and out of the classroom.
Books, blog posts, and other resources mentioned in this episode:
A Small Group in Action: Elaboration Strategies, Here We Come!Craft Moves: Lesson Sets for Teaching Writing with Mentor TextsMentor text craft move charts are found in A Small Group in Action: Elaboration Strategies, Here We Come.Rebekah O’Dell’s Twitter thread explains the concept of “Return and Reflect”Tap Into the Power of Whole-Class Text StudiesPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district.
Melanie Meehan:
[email protected] Stacey Shubitz:
[email protected] Email us at
[email protected] for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.
For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.