When it comes to teaching how-to or procedural writing, mentor texts can be an invaluable resource. These texts serve as examples that demonstrate the features, structure, and language of how-to or procedural writing. Here are some of our favorite mentor texts that can help students develop their skills in this type of writing:

1. “How to Babysit a Grandma” by Jean Reagan – This charming picture book provides a humorous take on how to babysit a grandma. It features clear and concise instructions, accompanied by delightful illustrations. Students can learn a lot about sequencing and organization from this mentor text.

2. “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace – This fun and imaginative book teaches readers how to catch a leprechaun. It offers step-by-step instructions, incorporating vivid descriptions and engaging language. Students can study the use of descriptive language and the importance of providing clear directions.

3. “How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World” by Marjorie Priceman – This delightful story takes readers on a journey around the world as a young girl gathers the ingredients to make an apple pie. The book includes detailed instructions on how to make the pie, highlighting the importance of precise steps in procedural writing.

4. “How to Code a Sandcastle” by Josh Funk – This book combines the concept of coding with building a sandcastle. It provides coding instructions in a fun and accessible way, allowing students to understand the importance of clear and concise directions.

5. “How to Make a Pancake” by Marjorie Priceman – In this book, readers learn how to make a delicious pancake from scratch. The text includes sequential steps and descriptive language, making it a great mentor text for teaching how-to writing.

These mentor texts can serve as excellent examples for students to study and analyze. By examining these texts, students can gain a better understanding of the features and strategies used in how-to or procedural writing.