Finding Mentor Texts

The topic of mentor texts came up with several of you this last week.   As I thought about our conversations, I found an article you might find helpful.    The article gives several good ideas and cites information from some of our favorite authors. 

I hope you find books that you return to over and over again!  Here is the link to the article.  Enjoy!

http://writingeverydayworks.wordpress.com/2009/01/27/touchstone-text-or-mentor-text-activity/

Sharing Great Sites

Happy Monday Willard Teachers!  It is hard to believe September is this far gone.  I know you have been busy because I see the great work displayed in the halls!

From time-to-time, I will share with you some of my favorite literacy sites.  I hope you will also share with us if you find one you particularly like.  For this month, I am sharing Choice Literacy, a site that has a lot of great ideas and discussions.  Part of the sight is free and the other part is a subscription site.  I hope you enjoy the free ideas for Book Chit-Chat and the discussion that goes with it.

Choice Literacy

Thinking Ahead in Your Reading

 

• Are there any series, authors or genres that you’ve read that you would like to read more of?
• Is there an author, series, or genre that you haven’t read yet but you’d like to try?
• Is there a book that you quit earlier this year that you might want to go back to and try again?
• Is there something that you want to try that you weren’t ready or in the mood for earlier in your reading life?
• Is there a book that has caught your eye?
• Is there a book that you might want to read because you read or heard about it in a review?
• Is there a book that a friend has recommended that sounds like a good fit?
• Is there a nonfiction topic that you’d like to read?
• Is there a poetry book that you’d like to read more of?
• Are there any books that you’ve read that you’d like to reread?
• Is there an author, genre or series that we’ve read in read-aloud that you’d like to try on your own?
• Are there any books in your box that you have changed your mind about – books that you want to put away?
• What types of books are you in the mood for?
• Are you in the mood for long or short books?
• What kind of time will you have this spring? Is it a busy time? Will you be sitting at a brother or sister’s sports practices?
• Are there books that would be better for you to save for summer?

Don’t forget to share those great sites! 

Have a great week and keep on reading and writing!

 

Hello Busy Teachers!

I know the beginning of the year is such a busy time, and this year has been particularly busy with a new math program, training sessions, and all of the teaching specialists wanting part of your time.  I am working on a monthly calendar that will let you know when I will be in the building and who is involved.  My goal is to work with our new teachers each week, and to meet with grade levels only when we are doing math diary mapping and reading assessment wall work or when a need arises.  In some of our buildings, the Literacy and Math Teams will take over some of the mapping and literacy work after we get up and going, freeing me  to collaborate one-on-one and work in the classrooms more. 

Be sure to check out our blog–I’ve posted new resources and information on some of the pages. 

Have a great week, and as always, keep me posted on what is happening in your classrooms!