Whether a classic or new release, leverage your seasonal books as mentor texts. Of course, read and enjoy them first. But then, study the craft of the author!
Here are a few ideas to get you started…
The Polar Express – Explore the first few pages to see how Chris Van Allsburg develops mood and mystery. Point out the phrasing on the first few pages and the intentional alliteration with the ‘s’ sound. Consider the verbs he chose throughout the book and what they are describing (the lights flickered, the wolves roamed, the train thundered).
Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever – This charming story by Matt Tavares is ideal for discussing sentence fluency: sentence type and length, phrasing, and the use of dialogue too.
And of course, this is THE time of year to discuss those transformation stories: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Crippled Lamb, and A Christmas Carol, being my favourites.
What are your favourite seasonal mentor texts?