1. Introducing 6 Traits into Our Writing Helping to Make Our Writing More Complete

2.  Understand the six traits of quality writing  Understand the rubric used for scoring student writing

3. What does writing instruction look like?  Listening to examples of good writing  Practicing the different traits  Applying practice to writing essays  Students evaluating their own writing

4. The Writing Process  Prewriting (Planning)  Writing (First Draft)  Revising (Improving your writing)  Editing (Correcting for style and accuracy)  Publishing (Sharing)

5. What are the 6 Traits?

6. What are the 6+1 Traits? 1. Voice 2. Word Choice 3. Conventions 4. Sentence Fluency 5. Organization 6. Ideas 7. Presentation 1. 2. 3. 5. 4.6.6.

8. Ideas are the heart of any piece of writing … It’s all about the information Ideas paint pictures in a reader’s mind Informational text becomes reader-friendly Pay attention to ‘beyond- the-obvious’ detail Ideas demonstrate clarity, focus, sense of purpose  CLARITY - makes sense.  FOCUS - narrow and manageable size  QUALITY DETAILS - noticing little things that others might not notice.

9. Ideas and Content Links to Instruction 1. Prewriting 2. Keeping Journals 3. Moving from broad topic to focused and narrow ideas 4. Learning to observe carefully 5. Borrowing ideas from other writers 6. Knowing the purpose for writing

11. Organization is the internal structure… It’s not just paragraphs, but what’s in them! Does it make sense? Is the writing easy to follow? A well-laid-out road map? Does the lead ‘hook’ the reader? Are transitions smooth and appropriate? Is the conclusion satisfying? 1. Inviting Opening 2. Sequencing - logical and effective 3. Linking words/phrases 4. Pacing 5. Effective Ending

12. isualize (Audience & Content) rganize (Outside the box) nterpret raft laborate or Eliminate

13. Voice is personality… and confidence Individuality and perspective Enthusiasm and expressiveness Is the author knowledgeable about the topic? Does the piece hold the reader’s attention? Is there real passion? Does the author care? Does the text just repeat common knowledge? Is the voice appropriate?

14. How exquisite! Sounds scrumptious! ‘A breath of fresh air…’ Listen to the serene stillness...

15. Word choice is clear, precise and colorful… Find the word that is ‘just right’ Stretch to use new, interesting words Think verbs, verbs, verbs (use high energy words) Avoid ‘Creeping Thesaurus-itis’ Eliminate tired, trite words Cut the fat… only use words that carry their own weight

17. The rhythm and flow of the sentences… Sounds soothing to the ear… A variety of sentence length and structure Text begs to be read aloud Smooth transitions support fluency Punctuate. Periods are a good thing!

19. Editing & revising for conventions… Use of proper format (indentation, margins, spacing, etc.) Correct use of capitalization, punctuation and spelling Maintain verb tense and subject verb agreement throughout composition Use adverbs, appositives, clauses and phrases correctly Use homophones and other vocabulary correctly

20. Remembering the 6 traits…  Ideas  Organization  Voice  Word Choice  Sentence Fluency  Conventions

21. Six Trait Writing – Student Rubric  Ideas: The heart of the message, the content of the piece, the main theme, with details that enrich and develop that theme.  Organization: The internal structure, the thread of central meaning, the logical and sometimes intriguing pattern of ideas.  Conventions: The mechanical correctness of the piece; spelling, grammar, and usage, paragraphing, use of capitals and punctuation

22. Six Trait Writing – Student Rubric  Word Choice: The use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the readers.  Sentence Fluency: The rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye.  Voice: The heart and soul, magic, wit, feeling and conviction of the writer coming out.