This course explores selecting and using pieces of quality children’s literature to help scaffold student learning as they are developing the craft of writing. Authors and the texts they have written can serve as models to use to guide instruction. Participants will learn to choose quality texts, design effective instruction using those texts, and consider how to integrate this effective instruction into current practice. Connections will be made to ELA Common Core text types and speaking & listening standards. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the gradual release model, the writing traits and the purpose/type of writing when selecting mentor texts for lessons. 

Required Text:

Dorfman, L.R. & Cappelli, R. (2007) Mentor texts: teaching writing through children’s literature k-8. Stenhouse Publishers: New York, N.Y. ISBN 9781571104335

By the end of this course, you will:

-Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of quality mentor texts by selecting appropriate texts to be used to scaffold student writers. Select Common Core Extended texts that can also serve as mentor texts for writing!

-Demonstrate knowledge of writer’s craft (traits) by the effective development of instruction plans.

-Discuss, develop, and share instructional strategies and lesson plans that utilize mentor texts to support classroom learners.

-Demonstrate knowledge of the implications on classroom practice in the areas of reading, writing, speaking & listening, and language by referencing these ELA Common Core standards in journal, lesson plan, and culminating assignment. Characteristics of Text types and purposes for writing will be discussed (ELA Common Core connection).

-Show consideration of integrating mentor text into current classroom reading/ writing instruction through discussion board responses and journal entries (aligning practice).

Location: Online

Framingham State University - 3 graduate credits