~ Teaching Writing With Touchstone Books ~
 

Touchstone Books are the books I consider my favorite ones to use for instruction.  Many show several different reading and writing craft elements; some target just one unique craft feature.  A touchstone book or mentor text is a book you love and know very well.  It's one that you happily can read over and over. 

One example is Patches Lost and Found by Steven Kroll.  I use the book to show story sequence or to show how to "write" with pictures first, then words.  Follow the link to find several more examples:

* Touchstone Books: Examples
 

Teachers are invited to participate!
Join in compiling a selection of writing mini-lessons that first are introduced with a favorite piece of children's literature. The book has or is an example of a particular writer's craft.

Send in an email the title, author, brief description of how the book was used in a classroom lesson, and an example of student work that followed the lesson. 

* See what other teachers have shared

 
Additional Resources:
Writers' Workshop,  Blogs, Teachers' Bookshelf, Touchstone Books/ Mentor Texts, 6+ Traits,

---

Marci McGowan: Home     Email     Previous Projects

© 2008 M. McGowan - All rights reserved.