Nancy Dean’s “Finding Voice” will help teachers in grades 4-6 supplement their studies of complex text using brief, compelling mentor texts as they study word choice, detail, imagery, figurative language and tone. Reviewer Linda Biondi likens it to “a GPS system.”
With 184 lessons building on Writers Workshop principles, Stacey Shubitz provides guidance in mentor-text-based literacy instruction that can result in independent and proficient writers. Linda Biondi expects Craft Moves to be part of teachers’ “go-to book” collections.
In “Text Structures From the Masters,” educators Gretchen Bernabei and Jennifer Koppe did the hard work for English and social studies teachers of grades 6–10 when they collected 50 quality, nonfiction mentor texts and created an easy-to-follow lesson structure for each one.
Book Reviews / Common Core State Standards
by MiddleWeb · Published 02/11/2016 · Last modified 11/18/2019
The activities in Lisa Morris’ book on teaching ELA with the CCSS in grades 2-5 are easily adapted for each level, including middle grades 4&5. Reviewer Linda Biondi also liked the extensive mentor texts and came away with oodles of lesson ideas.
Write This Way: How Modeling Transforms the Writing Classroom is a teacher-friendly guide to implementing modeling as a fundamental part of each step of the writing process. Teacher Jennifer Floyd says Kelly Boswell’s book clarifies modeling, interactive writing, and shared writing.
In “Grammar Matters,” Lynne Dorfman and Diane Dougherty make the case for embedding grammar in Writing Workshop and across the curriculum. Our reviewer recommends this hands-on exploration of mentor texts and engaging instruction and its many useful resources.
Book Reviews / Common Core State Standards
by MiddleWeb · Published 08/25/2014 · Last modified 12/02/2019
Sean Ruday tackles some of the more challenging grades 6-8 ELA standards, giving detailed explanations using mentor texts in mini-lessons to gradually build student understanding, says reviewer Rebecca Crockett. He has also written for grades 3-5.
Book Reviews / Mentor Texts / Nonfiction
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/11/2013 · Last modified 11/15/2019
Heard helps teachers consider the potential of mentor texts and the creativity that nonfiction writing skills can encourage, says reviewer Kevin Hodgson.
Lynne R. Dorfman and Rose Cappelli, the co-authors of Poetry Mentor Texts: Making Reading and Writing Connections, K-8, have provided another “must have” resource for teachers of all disciplines – even poetry haters – says reviewer Linda Biondi.
In Write Like This: Teaching Real World Writing Through Modeling and Mentor Texts, Kelly Gallagher’s real-world approach to writing instruction is practical, relevant and doable by any teacher, says reviewer Rhonda Leduc.
