Literature Study + Writing = Success

Using Mentor Texts to Improve Writing:
       Many teachers use literature as a component of their writing program. Books can serve as mentor texts which model the qualities of good writing. Mentor texts are pieces of literature that teachers can use to help model quality writing to young writers. Mentor texts can be used in many ways and offer countless teaching possibilities on the craft of writing. They can help students examine sentence structure, discover figurative language, develop vocabulary, make connections, think about how a setting creates a mood, find examples of “showing, not telling”, understand how illustrations support the text, or construct an overall meaning.

       Mentor texts are important because they motivate students by demonstrating the technique, focus, and organization combined into one whole. A student can envision themselves as a writer and can imitate the strategies themselves to guide their own potential. A mentor text gives students an invitation to notice an author’s work which exposes them to an opportunity they might not have explored before. It sparks imagination and determination to empower a writer to try something new. Mentor texts serve as an exemplar and are inspirational to guide the writer on their journey to developing their own style. The combination of teacher, mentor text, and the writer’s own efforts produce quality writing.

      The book, Fox, by Margaret Wild and Ron Brooks, is a picturebook rich in content. The fable tells a story of Dog and Magpie who rely on each other. Along comes fox who is jealous and tries to form a wedge between the friendship of Dog and Magpie. Fox tries to convince Magpie that he is a better suited companion. Will Magpie give into temptation?

   This story is an allegory and takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride through love and belonging, temptation, risk and betrayal. The author uses sophisticated language, specific details, and an effective plot. The illustrations are in mixed media and collage with dark markings which expose the characters’ deep feelings.
     This mentor text can help students understand that in order to give life to their characters in a narrative, they need to understand the techniques in order to do so. A writer can develop a character through action, description, dialogue, and through the reactions of other characters.
     The exemplar also shows how setting can impact the plot of a story. Skilled writers learn that the setting can serve various purposes. The setting can create mood, build suspense, and reveal character traits.
     A third teaching point of using this book is to help students establish an effective conflict. The mentor text will explain the internal conflict of a fictional character. Understanding the internal conflict gives students the opportunity to write in an honest, authentic voice. There are many themes, or messages that emerge from the story so teachers can discuss the possibilities with students. Then, students can write an original narrative that addresses one of the themes in Fox.