the traits of good writing in a nutshell!. why teach writing? contributes to intelligence develops...
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The Traits of Good The Traits of Good WritingWriting
The Traits of Good The Traits of Good WritingWriting
In a Nutshell!In a Nutshell!
Why Teach Writing?• Contributes to intelligence
• Develops initiative
• Develops courage
• Encourages reading skills
Myths
“The Trait Lady Speaks Up”
Myth #1: The Traits are a Writing Curriculum.
Some think:• the traits are a
writing curriculum.• you should teach
only a few traits to younger students
• you should assign different traits to different grades.
But really:• they are a shared
vocabulary to describe what good writing looks like at every age.
• students need all of the traits at every grade level every time they write.
Myth #2: The writing process and the traits are different
things.Some think:• the writing process and
the traits are different things.
• 6 Traits is a program.• making students aware
of the traits is the answer to teaching writing.
• it’s a structure.
But really:• they are two sides of the
same coin.• they are a series of
reflective thinking stages.• is an assessment tool and
a kind of language to communicate about writing.
• it’s the language and thinking used within the structure of the writing process/writer’s workshop.
Myth #3: You adopt the traits program.
Some think:• 6 Traits is a
canned/scripted program.
• you only use 6 Traits “stuff”
• it’s activities for skills and practice.
But really:• it’s a model for teaching
the writing process.• it’s flexible.• it’s built around models
of good text such as books, magazines, etc.
• it’s a common language• they helps promote life-
long strategies.
Myth #4: You teach the traits, the writing takes care
of itself.Some think:• you teach the traits and
the writing takes care of itself.
• they’ll solve instructional issues and give you more time.
• canned programs alleviate the “mess” of teaching writing.
But really:• you have to teach the
writing process.• they’ll give students the
opportunity to write more, better, and more widely because they reveal the mystery of writing.
• you can’t, nor should you want to avoid the mess—the traits help break down the complex writing process.
Myth #5: The traits are not part of writing workshop.
Some think:• the 6 Traits are not part of
writing workshop.
But really:• they’re a common language
during writing workshop and used when assessing and talking about writing
• students apply skills they learn in real writing.
• it provides opportunities for students to think, write, reflect, discuss, revise, edit and most of all, collaborate.
• they provide a built-in model to ensure children learn the craft.
Conferencing about versus covering the traits
Some think:• you cover the traits by
going from lesson to lesson, proofreading and editing
• you point out errors• the conversations are
teacher driven
But really:• you conference using
back and forth dialogue• you discuss the traits
through the child’s writing to help him/her build ownership.
• conferencing offers the opportunity to give advice to writers.
• it empowers rather than condemns writers.
Why Teach the Traits?• Provides common language
• Provides gateway to revision
• Provides consistent assessment
• Supports the writing process
Redwoods vs. Mouse Alert
What’s good
What’s not
Let’s Take a Closer Let’s Take a Closer Look . . .Look . . .
IDEAS
• Narrow and focused topic
• Fresh and unique ideas
• Specific, intriguing details
• Accurate information
ORGANIZATION • Inviting lead that hooks
• Clear, logical order
• Smooth transitions
• Well-paced
• Memorable ending
VOICE• Has energy
• Has my “fingerprints” on it
• Has passion for the topic
• Begs to be read aloud
WORD CHOICE• Strong verbs and precise nouns
• Awesome adjectives
• Unique, memorable phrases
• Vivid descriptions that sound natural
SENTENCE FLUENCY
• Natural rhythm
• Flows…easy to read aloud
• Some long sentences, some short
• Sentences begin in different ways
CONVENTIONS
• Correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and usage
• Effective paragraphing
Teaching Conventions• Teach conventions separately
• 15 minutes a day• 3 days a week• Every week• All year long• Every year
PRESENTATION• Neat handwriting
• Uniform margins
• Effective illustrations/graphics
• Correct format
How to Teach the Traits• Use GOOD literature
• Focused mini-lessons
• Use student samples
• MODEL, MODEL, MODEL, MODEL
What do I do now?1. Teach the writing process
• Clay Activity
• Speed Week
What’s Next?
2. Establish a writer’s notebook• Teach strategies through mini-
lessons• Teach the traits to help students
become better writers
Finally. . .• Teach the forms of writing using
the writing process • Letters• Stories• Reports• Poems• Articles
Just Do It!