Donations to alleviate the high maintenance fees of this unsponsored website are DEEPLY appreciated! Please help me continue to support the teaching of literacy around the world. Thank you!
This page has TWO FREE LISTS and will offer suggestions for Mentor Texts for Writing.
FREE LIST Mentor Texts – Resources for Mini Lessons
Click on the above link for a pdf file adapted from Consult An Expert ~ titles compiled by Shirl Hawes and Debbie Rickards, 2001.
The above pdf has writing mentor texts for:
- topic selection
- leads/beginnings
- leads, using questions
- endings, general
- endings, surprise
- endings, circular
- endings, poignant
- strong characters
- using voice
- vivid word choice/descriptive language
- strong verbs
- poetry and unforgettable language
- story structure, cumulative
- story structure, chain
- story structure, circular
- story structure, chronological life events
- story structure, home-journey-home
- story structure, parallel plots
- setting
- time (non-linear way)
- point of view
- flashback
- flash-forward
- narrowing a topic
- combing fiction with nonfiction
- cause and effect
- onomatopoeia
- alliteration
- simile
- metaphor
- personification
- adaptations of familiar tales
- memoirs
- dialogue
- wordplay
Another great FREE List – Mentor Texts for Writer’s Workshop.
Why should all writing instruction begin with mentor texts?
1. It gives a solid base to start the lesson.
2. You can refer to the mentor text whenever students get lost.
3. Students experience more authentic writing.
4. Students need to understand that writing is something you do, not something done to you.
5. Students learn about the traits common to all excellent writing.
6. Teachers get to work with their favorite writers.
How to Teach Writing – Visit this page for research-based writing instruction!
I HIGHLY recommend The Writing Thief by Culham. It suggests mentor texts for every trait for narrative, expository, and persuasive writing.
Edited on 03/07/2024
