Teaching with Intent 3: Grammar, vocabulary and literary techniques in mentor texts

Teaching with Intent 3: Grammar, vocabulary and literary techniques in mentor texts

By Dr Bronwyn Parkin and Dr Helen Harper

Cover illustration by Katiebell_illustration

Book 3 in the bestselling Teaching with Intent series
Explore the grammar and language resources that authors use to craft engaging stories and support students to become more powerful writers.

Teaching with Intent 3 introduces the key grammar and language resources used by authors of children's literature to create compelling narratives. Drawing on quality Australian children's literature, the book provides teachers with practical tools for talking about the language of rich literary and mentor texts in primary classrooms.

The authors demonstrate how writers structure narratives to engage readers, build believable story worlds, develop memorable characters and create powerful imagery. Through authentic classroom examples, teachers learn how to make these language choices visible to students and support them to use similar techniques in their own writing.

Inside this book you'll explore:
  • Grammar as a resource for meaning-making
  • Using mentor texts to teach writing
  • How authors create engaging narratives
  • Language choices that shape character, setting and plot
  • Literary techniques that create imagery and reader engagement
  • Practical classroom strategies for discussing language
  • Supporting students to transfer author techniques into their own writing

Understanding how skilled writers craft texts is empowering for all learners. This knowledge is particularly important for students who have limited access to books, are reluctant readers, or need additional support to make meaning from written texts. The book equips teachers to help all students notice how authors use language for effect and experiment with rich language choices in their own writing.

Ideal for

  • Classroom teachers (Foundation–Year 8)
  • Literacy leaders
  • EAL/D coordinators
  • Curriculum and instructional leaders
  • Teacher librarians
  • Principals, deputy principals and assistant principals

Preview the Book →

Hear from the Authors →

Content Note
This publication includes practical examples referencing Runt by Craig Silvey (Allen & Unwin, 2022). Guidance regarding classroom use of this text has changed in some Australian education jurisdictions. All affected strategies can be applied using alternative mentor texts.
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