Digital Mentor Text Library

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Sarah Becker, 4th grade teacher at McClelland Elementary, has created a virtual mentor text library. Her vision was to allow students to have the text “hands-on” in both in person and online settings. Not only does this tool allow students to have access to segments of mentor texts related to relevant learning and current units, but it allows students to access mentor texts which the teacher has authored during a specific unit (ie. narrative or opinion reading/writing). This digital “basket” serves in the capacity of a folder or binder where students can store their own writing, and access exemplary texts to utilize as they work their way through the writing process.

The mentor text baskets are practical and organized, providing a teacher access to student work throughout the evolution of the piece. Feedback is immediate through comments and access to the working Google Doc, and changes can be tracked throughout the unit. Both teachers and students can easily reference elements found within the mentor text to prove a point or provide specific guidance and students develop their piece of writing.

Aside from the instructional benefits of a mentor text basket, students are easily engaged and have access both at home and in school to relevant and intentionally selected texts. Sarah talks about the benefits of the baskets regarding student engagement:

"Students are so excited to be able to have these books readily available to mimic features they enjoyed from the text. It pushes students to try something new."


Written by Matt Molitor, McClelland iTEC Teacher