The Heartprint Framework
JoEllen McCarthy · 2023
Mentor texts are more than just craft coaches for writers—they can also offer inspiration and life lessons. The Heartprint Framework includes CARE-focused, social-emotional connections built around a heartprint read-aloud and grounded in student-led conversations. Teachers are caregivers who use knowledge of students to make informed decisions that impact inclusive, caring communities beyond the four classroom walls. Responsive educators are constantly reflecting, sharing ideas, and adjusting their teaching to be more empathetic and mindful of the whole child and their community of learners. Teaching involves helping learners to create cultures that nurture engaged, persistent, collaborative, responsible and caring minds. Read-alouds enable the reader to help their students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.