6+1 Traits of Writing
Posters
***CLICK ON THE WORDS BELOW FOR CLASSROOM POSTERS!!!***
As you begin your paper you generate ideas. Your ideas and content are the reasons for writing a paper. Every paper should convey a message and be easy to follow. Some thoughts to get you going:
What is my message and is it focused and clear? Did I include important details relevant to my topic? Did the reader learn something new? Is my paper interesting and easy to understand? Are you stumped? Try this activity Fluent writing has rhythm. Sentences vary in length and structure. It is easy and pleasurable to read aloud. It is important to think about:
Is my story easy to read? Do my sentences begin in different ways? Did I use some long and some short sentences? Does my paper sound smooth as I read it aloud? Try this activity to learn more The specific words that you choose create images, capture a reader's attention and make your story memorable. Look at your paper and decide:
Have I used some strong verbs or colorful phrases that grab my reader? Have I chosen the most precise word? Have I used any unique words? Did I repeat common words too many times? This activity will help you gather ideas for word choice - Spice/Salsa Words
Important Book
6 Traits Rubric |
Organizing your ideas helps a reader move through your paper in a meaningful way. Here are some things to keep in mind as you write your paper:
Does my beginning hook my reader? Is my paper easy to follow? Did I choose the best way to organize my story? Do my ideas link to a main message? Do I have a strong conclusion that wraps up the story? This activity will give you practice organizing ideas- How to eat...
How to "bee" a Good Student ABC Book
Your voice is what gives your writing personality, flavor and style.
Questions to think about as you write your paper: Can you tell I am enthusiastic about my topic? Does this writing sound like me? How do I want my readers to feel? Will my story hold readers' attention? Will they want to hear more? Are you ready to get started thinking about voice? Try this activity First Day Jitters
You've finished your first draft. Now it is time to start editing for conventions. These include spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalization and paragraphing. Proper use of conventions make your story easy for others to read.
To begin editing ask yourself: Did I leave spaces between words and sentences? Did I use a title? Did I use correct punctuation? Did I use capital letters in the right places? Have I proofread for correct spelling and grammar? Have I indented any new paragraphs? Are you looking for some more ideas? Try the Conventions Activity-- A Pirate's Life for Me
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Six Traits of Writing
Links for Teachers
(Linked to the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory)
NWREL - This Link gives ideas on how to get started using the Six Traits in your classroom
http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/gettingstarted.asp?odelay=2&d=1
NWREL - This link gives you many writing prompts
http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/prompts.asp?odelay=2&d=1&prompt=1
Ideas for Teaching Writing and the Six Traits
http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/writing/menu.html
Lesson Plans - NWREL has many well developed Lesson Plans
http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/lessonplans.asp?odelay=2&d=1
The Writing Process Web Tutorial created by classroom teachers in the Puget Sound Educational District
http://www.psesd.wednet.edu/write_process/WritingMac/writepr.htm
North Central Regional Educational Laboratory - Graphic Organizers to help student sort their ideas for writing
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/learning/lr1grorg.htm
The Writing Process Ideas and Links
http://www.proteacher.com/070038.shtml
Picture Books are a great way to demonstrate the traits in the classroom
http://www.geocities.com/oberry1790/index.html
Links for Teachers
(Linked to the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory)
NWREL - This Link gives ideas on how to get started using the Six Traits in your classroom
http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/gettingstarted.asp?odelay=2&d=1
NWREL - This link gives you many writing prompts
http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/prompts.asp?odelay=2&d=1&prompt=1
Ideas for Teaching Writing and the Six Traits
http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/writing/menu.html
Lesson Plans - NWREL has many well developed Lesson Plans
http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/lessonplans.asp?odelay=2&d=1
The Writing Process Web Tutorial created by classroom teachers in the Puget Sound Educational District
http://www.psesd.wednet.edu/write_process/WritingMac/writepr.htm
North Central Regional Educational Laboratory - Graphic Organizers to help student sort their ideas for writing
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/learning/lr1grorg.htm
The Writing Process Ideas and Links
http://www.proteacher.com/070038.shtml
Picture Books are a great way to demonstrate the traits in the classroom
http://www.geocities.com/oberry1790/index.html