MUST READ Mentor Text Link Up with Collaboration Cuties--Round 2!

It's that time again--time to link up with Stacia and Amanda over at Collaboration Cuties for their AWESOME Mentor Text Link Up!!

Courtney and I are both sharing a text today...

This activity was shared with me many moons ago.  I am sorry to say that I cannot remember who shared it with me and where I was… I do know that this is an activity that must be shared again and again.  Therefore, my name does not appear on this FREEBIE, as I am not taking credit for the idea, but I guess I can take credit for passing this wonderful activity on to others...  I have done this with second, third, and fifth graders. It is appropriate for ANY age! 

Please consider doing this with your students as a Christmas gift, or a Mothers’/Fathers’/ Grandparents’ Day gift.  The comments from parents and grandparents have been heartfelt. Many have commented, “It’s the best gift I have ever gotten.”  You will also be touched by your students’ writings.

To download my notes about this writing activity, and writing pages to go along with it, just click here!

Enjoy this experience with your students—it is one that I will do as long as I am teaching!

I first heard this story when I was taking a differentiation workshop about 6 years ago.  I instantly fell in love with this book and the message it gives. Little Vashi believes that she is not good at drawing so she angrily puts a dot on a piece of paper.  Her teacher tells her to sign it, and was amazed the next day when she walks in and the teacher has framed her "work of art"!  Vashi's confidence begins to thrive and she realizes that she can be good at drawing.

I like to use this book when beginning Writer's Workshop. Even though it talks about art, I relate it to writing in the sense that even though we can't write that much, spell all the words correctly, or think of a topic, we all begin somewhere and eventually we will persevere. 

This is one of those great books that could be used with any subject at any time of the year. But the best part, is that the students love it!


Don't forget to stop over to Collaboration Cuties to fill your teaching bag with some more wonderful mentor text ideas!