6-Trait Writing

Instruction and Assessment

Models of Writing

Read Redwoods and Mouse Alert.. Make notes on the NOTES page for

discussion on the qualities you notice about each piece.

Share with a partner the similarities and differences.

Objectives/Goals Identify and discuss the strengths

and problems in any piece of writing, using trait language.

Learn the language of 6-Trait. Understand how writing lessons

relate to the traits. Model a lesson with your students.

“We must constantly remind ourselves that the ultimate purpose of evaluation is to enable students to evaluate themselves.” Arthur Costa

What Are the Traits of a Good Sandwich?

Write on your “sandwich paper” in your packet what characteristics you think makes a really goooooood sandwich.

6-Trait Writing

Ideas Voice Organization Word Choice Sentence Fluency Conventions

Conventions“Anything a copy editor might deal with under the heading of conventions: spelling, punctuation, capitalization, paragraphing, grammar and usage. The whole purpose of this trait is to enhance readability-to make information enticing and accessible.”

TEKS 4.16, 4.17, 4.18, 4.19, 4.20 5.16, 5.17, 5.18, 5.19, 5.20

SCORING CONVENTIONS

Look for what is done well.

Look beyond spelling.

Do not overreact. Do not consider

neatness or handwriting when assigning a score.

The Two Faces of Conventions

Creative and PersonalThere’s almost

nothing left forthe copy editorto do.

Informational

The text is easy

to process and visually

appealing.

WRITING PROCESS: where CONVENTIONS fit?

Prewriting

Drafting

Sharing

Revising

Editing

Publishing

Conventions & Layout

from “Charlie”

THAT THATIS IS THAT THAT

IS NOT IS NOT

THAT IS IT ISNTIT

Why Use 6 Trait Writing?

Good assesssment starts with a

vision of success. Rick Stiggins

Student-Centered Classroom Assessment

Why Use 6-Trait Writing?

1. Common Language

2. Consistency in assessment

3. The “how to” students need to revise

6-Trait Writing is all about revision!

From Donald Graves’ book, A Fresh Look at

Writing

“Unless we show children how to read their writing,

their work will not improve. If we help children take

knowledgeable responsibility in reading

their own work, we not only help them be effective

lifelong writers, but we shift the responsibility for their writing to them, where it

belongs.”

Things to DO today

Create a class of good critics. Give students the editing pen and

proofreading symbols. Create a classroom where students learn

to find topics. Train students to assess their own work

and be in charge of their own revision. Make reflection a habit in your class.

Things You DON’T Have To Do Today

Read every paper your students write.

Correct every grammatical error your students make.

Pick topics for your students’ assignments.

Be the expert that fixes all your students’ work!

Six Ways to Teach Traits

Introduce the concept of traits-and traits themselves.

Surround students with writers’ language. Teach students to be assessors of their own

and others’ work - use self-assessment in revising and setting goals.

Use written works to illustrate strengths and weaknesses in writing.

Use focused lessons to help students develop skills in each trait.

Teach students to do focused revision.

How Does This Fit Together?

Teach writer’s workshop.

Introduce the traits which enhance the writing process.

Traits help students understand modes or forms of writing.

Qualities of Good Writing

Refer to the NOTES page on Redwoods and Mouse Alert.

Add any good qualities of writing you think might be appropriate now.

Discuss in a small group your new additions.

Correlations to TAKSPreliminary TAKS Rubric: Organization Development Conventions Voice Focus & Coherence

Information from CREST, 2002

HOW DO YOU KNOW IT’S WORKING?

Lose weight effortlessly

Acquire unbelievable energy

Save money Improve your

memory Eliminate wrinkles

When trait instruction is working, you will-

SORRY-just kidding.