ME? You talking to Me?

You want me to do WHAT?

6+1 Traits of Writing

Developed and Presented by Cynthia Mann, Reading CoachRedland ElementaryElmore County SchoolsJanuary 2012

A Foundation for your Writing

Presentation

Activity:

Using post-it notes, list characteristics of

good writing, putting each characteristics

on a separate post-it note.

Characteristics of good writing

6+1 traits are made up of key qualities that define strong writing

The key qualities are categorized as:

6+1 Traits of Writing

Presentation

Ideas are:

◦ The main message

◦ The content and foundation of the piece

◦ The main theme

Ideas

Idea Development

Organization is the overall structure of the piece

Points to remember about organization:◦ An inviting introduction◦ Thoughtful transitions◦ Logical sequencing◦ Pacing◦ Satisfying conclusion

Organization

Organization

Voice is the soul of the piece.

The personal tone and flavor of

the writer’s message

It is what makes the writer’s style

her own, as her feelings and

convictions come out

through her words

Voice

Voice

Word ChoiceWord

Choice The vocabulary a writer uses

to convey meaning

Word choice is at its best when

it includes the use of rich,

colorful, precise language

that moves and enlightens

the reader.

Word Choice

The rhythm and flow of the language

It is the sound of word patterns

SENTENCE FLUENCY

The mechanical correctness in the piece of

writing

The way the writing plays to the ear, not

just to the eye.

Conventions

How the writing actually looks on the page

It zeros in on the form and layout-how

pleasing the piece is to the eye

Presentation

Presentation

Activity:Matching characteristics to traits

READ, READ, READ

Read like a writer

Write, write, write

Where do we start?

Mentor text are those works of literature

that provide clear examples of each of the

traits.

Mentor Texts

Examine books on your table

Work with table partners to match the books to the trait

Select one text and share a short sample with the group and explain how it exemplifies the trait

Activity: Identify books and look for trait connections.

With your table partners, list ways to teach or strategies to use when teaching the trait assigned to your table

List the strategies on the poster

Hang poster and be prepared to share

Teaching the 6+1 Traits

For students to arrive at good content we

must help them:

◦ Select an idea

◦ Narrow the idea

◦ Elaborate on the idea

◦ Discover the best information to convey the main

idea

Teaching writing using the 6+1 Traits

Where do we begin?

Teaching writing using the 6+1 Traits

Voice

How can we teach students about voice in writing?

Teaching writing using the 6+1 Traits

Word Choice Word choice can turn mediocre writing into

great writing, but how do students learn this?

Teaching writing using the 6+1 Traits

Sentence Fluency

Strategies for teaching sentence fluency?

Teaching writing using the 6+1 Traits

How do students best learn about conventions?

Teaching writing using the 6+1 Traits

Presentation How the writing looks influences the

reader’s reaction to the piece.

When a piece is hard to read, it creates a negative mindset in the reader

Teaching writing using the 6+1 Traits

Process/content balance

Using the 6+1 traits

The traits are the language writers use

Points to Remember

NWREL - This link gives you many writing prompts http://educationnorthwest.org/resource/514

North Central Regional Educational Laboratory - Graphic Organizers to help sort ideas for writing http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/learning/lr1grorg.htm

http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/

Lesson Plans - NWREL has many well developed Lesson Plans http://apps.educationnorthwest.org/traits/lessonplans.php

NWREL - This Link gives ideas on how to get started using the Six Traits in your classroom

http://educationnorthwest.org/resource/504

Ideas for Teaching Writing and the Six Traitshttp://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/writing/menu.html

The Writing Process Ideas and Links http://www.proteacher.com/070038.shtmll

Resources for Teaching 6+1 Traits

Culham, R. (2005). 6+1 Traits of Writing. New York: Scholastic. Culham, R. (1998). Picture Books. Northwest Regional

Educational Laboratory. Cump, L. retrieved Feb. 2012 from www.readinglady.com Edwina Public Schools. Retrieved Feb, 2010 from:

http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/concord/teacherlinks/sixtraits/sixtraits.html

Northern Nevada Writing Project and Writing Fix. (2007). Ray, K. (2002). What you know by heart. Portsmouth, NH.

Heineman. Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Retrieved Feb.

2012 from http://educationnorthwest.org Urquhart, V. & McIver, M. (2005). Teaching writing in the

content areas. Aurora, CO. Mid-Continental Research for Education and Learning.

References