Transcript Writing 6 trait

Understanding 6 Trait Writing
“First you think, then you write. Then you write some more. Finally you get to read
it to someone and make it better. Then you turn it in but sometimes it comes back
anyway.”
Second grader Kayla’s insight on the writing process
Ideas and Content
• Is the writing clear, focused, and
interesting?
• Do main ideas stand out as strong
and developed?
• Are supporting details relevant
and rich?
• Does the writing hold reader’s
attention throughout?
Teaching with Ideas Trait
• Tap into their imaginations/experiences
so they have topics that matter to them.
• Ask questions about drafts that lead
them to see possible directions to go.
• Listen to them talk about their writing.
• Play music, display art, read wonderful
books to show students that ideas can
be shared in a variety of ways.
• Sing “The Ideas Song” regularly.
• Use a scoring rubric as a guide.
Organization
• Does organization enhance central idea and its
development?
• Is there an inviting beginning? Is there a
satisfying ending? Are they strong?
• Are there smooth, effective transitions and
sequencing events?
• Are order and structure strong, even compelling?
Shaping Organization
• Start with a bold, brilliant beginning. Make
it enticing, hook your reader.
• Build a mighty middle. Make it powerful.
• Create an excellent ending. Make it
memorable.
• Tie the details together so they fit and flow.
• Give your piece just the right title.
Word Choice
Do words convey the intended
messages?
Are they interesting, precise, and
natural?
Are there vivid, colorful expressions?
Do the rich words energize the writing?
Teaching with Word Choice
Find descriptive words that paint a picture in
your mind.
Try unusual yet appropriate words to connect
with the reader.
Use verbs to create an active, energetic
voice.
Choose precise words rather than the first
word that pops into your mind.
Use everyday words and phrases to make
your writing sound real.
SENTENCE FLUENCY
• Does the writing have an effective easy
flow and rhythm?
• Are sentences strong with varied
structures that make expressive oral
reading easy and enjoyable?
• Is there a natural sound to the story?
• F--L--U--U--E--E--N--C--Y!!
Go with the Flow of Fluency
• Listen for rhythm as you read passages
aloud.
• Use poetry to focus on the sound of the
language.
• Vary lengths of sentences to make ideas
shine.
• Find favorite sentences and talk about what
makes them strong.
• Try beginning sentences with words and
phrases you’ve never used before.
VOICE YOUR FEELINGS
 Does the topic come to life?
 Does it convey feelings, convictions,
and personality?
 Does the writing make you feel
something?
INSPIRING IDEAS
The Ideas Song
(sung to “Row, Row, Row Your
Boat”)
Write, write, write your thoughts.
Make your ideas clear.
Tell the reader what you know
And what you hold most dear.
Activities for Ideas Trait
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Binoculars to focus writing
Fun with funnels
Writing center
Picture This
Narrow it down
I’m making dinner
Can you see it?
Picture books to strengthen ideas
Conference Comments
• Thanks for writing this down so I can see
what you think.
• The way you drew this helps me make a
picture in my mind.
• How did you ever come up with such a
clever idea?
• You’ve got my interest. Tell me more!
• This idea is crystal clear. You are a
glorious writer!
• I love this piece. It makes sense to me.
The Organization Song
• Sung to “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
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Writing has a good beginning,
Strong conclusion,
And builds bridges.
Writing has a good beginning.
The order just makes sense.
Activities for Organization Trait
• My Life Story or Life Map or Time Line
• Graphic Organizers
• Provide lots of models to show how authors
showcase their ideas through organization.
• Use playdough to have students show/tell steps
in creating something.
• Use art, music, math, science, social studies.
• Sing “The Organization Song” often.
• Snaking, Carousel
Conference Comments
• This was the perfect way to begin/end!
• What is going to happen next? I can hardly wait to
find out.
• The way you arrived at the solution to your main
character’s problem makes good sense.
• The way you used time order words really works
well, like breadcrumbs to help me find my way.
• I was surprised by your ending! I didn’t see it
coming.
The Word Choice Song
Sung to “Ring Around the Rosie”
Writing with your best wordsFinding lots of new wordsSparkle! Dazzle!
The words stand out.
Expanding Word Choice
Print rich classroom; word wall, bulletin
boards of interesting words/phrases.
Lead students to fall in love with words.
Model choosing precise words
Select words with color, sparkle, variety;
lively, vivid with pop and sizzle
Activities for Word Choice
Top Ten Words
Word Fun, Word Books, Word Wallets
Suitcase Mystery
Stretching with Phonemes
Delightful Descriptions
Vivid Verbs
Conference Comments
My favorite word in your writing is “lumpidity”.
What’s yours?
“…zipped around the corner.” That’s exactly
how cats move. I can see it.
Thank you for using different words to
describe the rain. It makes your writing
interesting to read.
The verbs you use work so well in this piece.
They make things happen.
Developing Sentence Fluency
• Sentence Fluency Song (“Frere Jacques)
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Sentence fluency,
Sentence fluency,
The writing flows.
The writing flows.
Sentences are longer.
Sentences are tighter.
It sounds smooth; it sounds right.
Activities for Fluency Trait
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Find a new way to begin
Standing Sentences
Fluency Phones
Sentence Sense
Resounding Refrains
Choral Reading
Enjoying poetry
Conference Comments
• I felt like tapping my toe to the beat when I
read your piece. It has rhythm.
• Every sentence has a subject and verb. Way
to go!
• Your pictures and words work together like
hand and glove.
• Ending your piece with a question really
works.
• It’s good that you started your sentences
differently.
The Conventions Song
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(sung to “The Hokey Pokey”)
You put your periods in,
You pull your spelling out.
You put your capitals in,
And you shake them all about.
You make your paper better
When you edit it just right.
That’s what it’s all about!