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!