The Use of Mentor Texts in the Early Childhood Classroom

Early childhood educators explore how to establish an engaging, literature-based early childhood reading and writing classroom using mentor texts. Guided by the PLN frameworks, participants explore the impact of providing good literature in the classroom as a springboard for the development of early reading and writing skills. Discussions and demonstrations focus on the study of author’s craft, book art, writing styles, learning centers and the importance of providing self-selection in the classroom.

Practical suggestions for using independent and group activities with literature and creative oral and written composing are emphasized. Participants are asked to bring a classroom book to teach session. Assignments include ongoing journals, readings, practical lessons and a final project. Participants also gather evidence-based artifacts of student learning that are generated from lesson try-outs based on course content. Online Schoology class sessions are part of the required coursework in addition to face-to-face sessions.