A mentor text is a work of literature that a teacher can return to and reread for a multitude of purposes.  Mentor texts help my students make powerful connections, take risks in their own learning, and allows them to grow as a readers and, especially, writers.  I utilize mentor texts across the curriculum, from reading and writing to social studies and science.  They model so many learning expectations;  gathering pertinent information, character traits, cause and effect, story elements, just to name a few.   My second graders love the colorful illustrations that activate their thinking, the strong connections they make to the characters and their problems and the instructional engagement that leads to  true understanding of concepts and skills.  As we discuss how to become a better author, mentor texts take on a whole new meaning.  There are so many quality mentor texts that show how author crafts such as voice, word choice, sensory imaging and figurative language create a piece of literature that is also a work of art. When they see and hear examples of the crafts in a book, or books, there is a true understanding.  The students are then able to imitate these crafts in their own writing.  If I want my students to do something well, they need to be shown how it looks and sounds.  Mentor texts are a great support in their learning endeavors.

The benefits of using mentor texts in the classroom are endless.  They help to support vocabulary, motivate students and provide models for research and writing.  Through mentor texts, my students learn that literature and reading are a part of all learning experiences.  Here are some of our favorite mentor texts a few of the skills they help us understand.