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