Are you torn on which literary aspects to include when teaching reading standards? I’m sure you are! There are so many aspects to teach! So, teachers often have to pick and choose which ones to focus on. When doing this, setting is not one to skip! While it is an overlooked reading skill, setting mentor texts actually connect to so many other critical reading standards. So, let’s dive into what setting can offer to students! There will even be tips on teaching setting with mentor texts.
Want to watch the video instead? Check it out below! Make sure to subscribe to get updates on all new content!
Mentor Texts
I love to use mentor texts when teaching reading! This allows students to work on reading skills while building knowledge of key elements.
Be sure to check out Setting Comprehension Passages and Questions. These are great ways to build skills at showing how the setting impacts the story.
“The Garden of Abdul Gasazi” by Chris Van Allsburg
“The Garden of Abdul Gasazi” by Chris Van AllsburgThis is my absolute favorite setting mentor text! It is by Chris Van Allsburg, the same author behind “Jumanji.” His books always have a lot of depth to them, so they are perfect for teaching setting. This story is about a young boy and this very, very naughty dog named Fritz. While the young boy watches the dog, he loses him during a walk, and the dog gets lost. It goes into the house of Gazazi. Honestly, this book has many great illustrations that show how the setting affects mood. Students can even explore how the plot interacts with the setting.
As the book continues, readers discover that Gazazi is a magician. So, he plays a big trick on the little boy because he does not like dogs. He pretends to turn the dog into a duck, which causes the boy to feel devastated! Students love discovering if the dog returns in the story as a dog or a duck!
By the end of the story, students see how different settings impact the mood of the story. Specifically, they will explore the entrance to the gardens, the gardens themselves, and the house of Gazazi. Students can explore the different feelings they get when looking at the house and how the setting connects to their feelings. They can even connect this to how the little boy feels! Honestly, teaching setting with mentor texts will be a fantastic way to bring a basic standard to life.
Check out the Setting Printables for ways to make learning hands-on!
“Four Feet and Two Sandals”
This is another fantastic option when selecting setting mentor texts! It is the story of two young girls who live in Afghanistan. One day, a refugee truck comes and delivers some
clothing to the village. One girl finds one sandal, and another little girl finds the other. The girls share the sandals and form a beautiful friendship, as the title suggests.
While the ending is sad and bittersweet, it is a fantastic story when teaching settings with mentor texts. For instance, students will explore how the setting affects the plot of the book. Students will analyze Afghanistan and a refugee village when addressing the events in the story. They will even see how the walk to a refugee camp in Pakistan impacts the items they carry along their walk. These items also have a direct correlation to the setting. So, students can discuss how the story would be different if it took place in another country. This leads to a great discussion on how the setting creates the problem of the story and why this setting fits this story. There will be so many deep conversations during this reading!
If students struggle to identify setting, the Small Group Reading Interventions offers great resources!
“When I Was Young in the Mountains”
Cynthia Rylant did an excellent job when creating this story! It is a fantastic way to talk about settings in small moments, find descriptive language, and visualize the setting. The book itself is simple, but it will lead to powerful learning.
The story is about a young girl in the mountains. The rich illustrations create an amazing way to focus on teaching settings with mentor texts. For example, the story talks about how her father would give her a kiss and how his lips were the only clean thing. He was always covered in dust from the coal mines. So, students can discuss why this setting is important. This includes jobs in the mountains and how people live when secluded. Honestly, this provides great insight into how opportunities differ based on your area. Then, there is an excellent incorporation into different ways people live. This includes using an outhouse, swimming in a pond, and checking on the cow pasture. There are so many powerful small moments where the setting significantly impacts the story.
After diving into setting mentor texts with students, check out Making Connections Mentor Texts! Students will love learning literary skills through rich stories.
More Great Mentor Texts
Honestly, there are so many amazing setting mentor texts! For instance, “When I Was Young in the Mountains” by Cynthia Rylant is a beautiful book. It invites readers to step into the shoes as the author reminisces about her childhood in the Appalachian Mountains. The setting of the mountains serves as the backdrop for the author’s cherished memories and experiences. Students will love seeing how the mountains become characters as they shape the author’s identity.
Another great book when teaching settings with mentor texts is “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey. This story transports readers to the bustling city of Boston’s Public Garden. Students will see how the setting is not only a backdrop of the story but a character itself. It symbolizes safety while showing students the challenges of urban life.
“Come On, Rain!” is another favorite! The story takes place in the scorching summer heat. The intense heat even becomes a character as it captivates the characters’ hardships, discomfort, and desperation.
The setting is a crucial aspect of any book! It helps drive the story and character experiences. Thankfully, there are amazing setting mentor texts to pick from. Students will love discussing how the setting impacts the story with any of these suggestions.
If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining the email list, you will receive freebies for blog exclusive subscribers!
Level up your Comprehension Lesson Plans with this fantastic toolkit!
