6Trait Writing

1
6-Trait Writing

• Instruction and Assessment

2
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.

3
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.

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

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6-Trait Writing

• Ideas
• Voice
• Organization
• Word Choice
• Sentence Fluency
• Conventions

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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
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SCORING CONVENTIONS

• Look for what is done well.
• Look beyond spelling.
• Do not overreact.
• Do not consider neatness or handwriting when
  assigning a score.

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The Two Faces of Conventions

• Creative and Personal
• Theres almost
• nothing left for
• the copy
• editor
• to do.

• Informational
• The text is easy
• to process and
• visually
• appealing.

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WRITING PROCESS where CONVENTIONS fit?
Prewriting
Drafting
Publishing
Conventions Layout
Sharing
Editing
Revising
11
from Charlie
THAT THAT IS IS THAT THAT IS NOT IS NOT THAT IS
IT ISNT IT
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Why Use 6 Trait Writing?

• Good assesssment starts with a vision of success.

Rick Stiggins Student-Centered Classroom
Assessment
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Why Use 6-Trait Writing?

• Common Language
• Consistency in assessment
• The how to students need to revise

6-Trait Writing is all about revision!
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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.

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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.

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Things You DONT 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!

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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.

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How Does This Fit Together?

• Teach writers workshop.
• Introduce the traits which enhance the writing
  process.
• Traits help students understand modes or forms of
  writing.

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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.

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Correlations to TAKS

• Preliminary TAKS Rubric
• Organization
• Development
• Conventions
• Voice
• Focus Coherence
• Information from CREST, 2002

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HOW DO YOU KNOW ITS WORKING?
When trait instruction is working, you will-

• Lose weight effortlessly
• Acquire unbelievable energy
• Save money
• Improve your memory
• Eliminate wrinkles

SORRY-just kidding.