When it comes to teaching how-to or procedural writing, mentor texts can be a valuable tool. These texts serve as examples for students to analyze and learn from, helping them understand the structure and language used in this genre of writing. Here are our favorite mentor texts for teaching how-to or procedural writing:

1. “How to Babysit a Grandpa” by Jean Reagan: This delightful book provides step-by-step instructions on how to babysit a grandpa. It not only demonstrates the procedural writing style but also encourages creativity and imagination in young writers.

2. “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers: In this beautifully illustrated book, a young boy sets out on a quest to catch a star. The simple and clear instructions given throughout the story make it a perfect mentor text for teaching procedural writing to children.

3. “How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World” by Marjorie Priceman: This book takes readers on an adventure around the world as they learn how to make an apple pie from scratch. It incorporates elements of geography and cultural diversity, making it a rich mentor text for teaching how-to writing.

4. “How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth” by Michelle Robinson: This humorous and entertaining book provides comical instructions on how to wash a woolly mammoth. It engages young readers and demonstrates how procedural writing can be both informative and entertaining.

5. “How to Survive as a Shark” by Kristen Foote: This mentor text takes a unique approach to procedural writing, teaching readers about the survival skills of sharks. It introduces scientific concepts in a kid-friendly manner and serves as a great example of informational how-to writing.

These mentor texts can serve as a springboard for teaching how-to or procedural writing in the classroom. By analyzing the structure, language, and content of these texts, students can develop their own skills in this genre of writing. Happy writing!