Sunday, June 30, 2013

How I Spent My Summer Vacation: A Mentor Back to School Text and a FREE Writing Activity

Hi All.  This week's Mentor Text Linkup is a special edition.  It is featuring favorite back to school books.  I really had a hard time deciding which one to highlight.  I have a humongous collection of back to school books.  The first book I read to my new firsties is always First Day Jitters by Julie Dannegerg.  I also love the Kevin Henkes mouse books during the first week or two of school (and really any other time).
But this link up is for a Mentor Text not Mentor Texts.  I had to pick one.  So I chose How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague.
This book has fab illustrations.  How I Spent My Summer Vacation tells the story of Wallace Bleff and his overly active imagination.  He spins a fun tale of being kidnapped by cowboys and his subsequent training as a cowhand.  He eventually shows up at a family barbecue with his cowboy crew in tow causing all sorts of excitement.
This book is really fun and the kids always respond well to it.  It is a great book to discuss inference as well.  
I like to use this book in conjunction with one of our first writing activities of the year, also titled "How I Spent My Summer Vacation."  I usually have my students complete and share their writing before I read the book aloud.  But of course, you can use this activity anyway you would like. 

If you would like a free copy of this writing activity, click on the picture below.

For more back to school text recommendations and activities visit Collaboration Cuties.

Thanks for reading.

9 comments:

  1. I love this book. Thank you for the freebie. I love using Kevin Henkes books during the first few weeks of school too!

    Looking From Third to Fourth

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  2. I forgot about this book!! Thank you for the reminder! :)
    Jivey
    ideas by jivey
    Follow me on Facebook!

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  3. Thank you for the freebie, this is perfect for an activity I do with my kiddos during the second week of school!

    Hunter's Tales from Teaching

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  4. This looks great. I have seen this but haven't ever read it. Thank you for the freebie as well!
    Tamra and Sarah
    First Grade Buddies

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  5. This is a great book! :) Such a fun perspective! :)
    ~Brandee
    Creating Lifelong Learners

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  6. I love this book! It's so cute (who doesn't love Mark Teague!)I love the imagination in this book! :O)

    Thanks for linking up!
    Amanda
    Collaboration Cuties

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  7. I do not have this one and will be adding it to the classroom library! Thanks for sharing the freebie.

    Have a great week--
    Sarah @ Hoots N Hollers

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  8. Don't know why I haven't heard of this book! Looks great :)
    Thanks for the freebie.
    Karli
    Creating a Thoughtful Classroom

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  9. Fun book to share by a fabulous author!

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