6+1+Traits+Writing

This Illinois State Standards in Language Arts Tag Cloud Tag clouds are based on frequency of words and help summarize the text visually by making the words that are used bigger as they appear by frequency.

The Six + 1 Traits Writing Model
The Six Trait Model of Writing Instruction and Assessment breaks down the complex task of learning to write into a group of teachable and assessable skills. Easy-to-understand, practical, and adaptable vocabulary is utilized as students across all grade levels engage in the various models and genres of writing. This model provides a framework that values the writing process. In addition, the use of literature helps illustrate specific traits, provides stimulus for writing, and promotes the connection between reading and writing. All district teachers have been trained in this model as a professional learning community that supports writing across the curriculum and reinforces lifelong learning. High-quality written works include the following characteristics:

Ideas
The content of the piece, the main theme along with the details provide the purpose and topic of the message

Organization
The structure of the piece, with the meaning of the message presented in a logical pattern or sequence

Voice
The personal voice of the author comes through providing style, individuality and sincerity

Word Choice
Using colorful, rich words to communicate, painting a vivid picture and minimizing redundancy

Sentence Fluency
The writing flows with effective use of transitions and variety of length, type and structure of sentences

Conventions:
Correct spelling and grammar, easy to read

Lesson Plan Ideas
[|Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWEL) Lesson Plans] - This is the "official" 6 Traits site. This link is for the lesson plans organized by trait. [|WritingFix: 6 Traits Writing Lessons and Prompts Inspired by Picture Books] [|Writing Fix Writing Resources] - Scroll down to see each trait and click on the trait to find teaching strategies and lesson plans [|Kim's Korner 6 Traits Writing Model]- chart leads you to teaching each trait [|Strategies for Teaching Each Trait] [|6 Traits Writing] - Scroll down to see links that show synonyms for "said" and interesting sensory words (great for teaching word choice)

Scoring Essays
[|NWEL Scoring Practice] - interactive scoring for sample essays [|Samples of student writing] - organized by trait, grade level and score. Use to these to assess. [|Interactive Six Trait Writing Process] - "The descriptors, rubrics and examples have been standard fare in many classrooms for years, but this site allows students to rate pieces of writing and make immediate comparisons with the ratings given by English teachers." [|A Method For Grading Essays in Any Course]

General Resources
[|Madison School District 6 Traits Writing Training ResourceSouth Dakota School District Resource] [|Great Source iWrite] - Click on the Educators Tab for mini-lessons, and assessments [|OWL (Online Writing Lab)]- Great resource for lower grades! This is a great site that was developed by teachers to help their students [|An "unofficial" site for teachers using 6 traits] This site is a couple of years old, but has some good ideas [|The Writing Fix] - This is a cool website, although it's hard to navigate. Worth a look because of the //interactive activities//. [|Six Traits Posters] - to use for the bulletin board National School Reform Website

Graphic Organizers
[|Tools for Reading, Writing, and Thinking] [|Houghton Miflfin Resources grade 3-5] [|Houghton Mifflin Resources grades 6-8] [|Education Place Graphic Organizers] [|More Graphic Organizers] - from Enchanted Learning. Each building has an account so they can be printed without banners.

21st Century Tools for Publishing
Cool Tools for Schools

[[file:Writing_Matters._Strategies_for_the_Classroom.pdf]]




D142 Resources on 6+1 Traits Writing