Writer's Workshop for the ESL learner

Boy it is slow going.  Using mentor text is so hard.  They are unable to appreciate it because of their lack of vocabulary and cultural understanding.  I imagine it is a case of where they get what they can out of it.  Some enjoyed knucklehead but others were very confused.  As long as they know it is just an example for them to use it is ok.  They do seem excited about their narratives though.  I will be very interested to see how they adapt to the group editing and advising