Presented by: Kelly Tsai 6 Trait Writing Presented by: Kelly Tsai

Graphic Organizer for Today’s Workshop Here’s where you apply the strategy & ideas to YOUR classroom.

Characteristics of an Effective Writing Program Packet p.2 Characteristics of an Effective Writing Program Students write EVERY day Students work on FOCUSED and UNFOCUSED writing assignments Procedures are taught, practiced, & reinforced Students & teachers conference with others before a piece is published or turned in to be assessed Students share their writing with others before a piece is published or turned in to be assessed

Writer’s Workshop Structure Packet p.2 Writer’s Workshop Structure Mini-Lessons (5-15 Minutes as Needed) Procedural Writer’s Process Qualities of Good Writing Revising Skills Editing Skills Status of the Class (2 Minutes) Determine where the students are in the writing process & what they will be working on that day. Distribute materials.

Individual Writing Time Packet p.2 Individual Writing Time (20-30 Minutes) Brainstorming/Rehearsing Drafting Revising Editing Conferencing Publishing Author’s Share (5-10 Minutes) Author’s Chair: Individual shares Cooperative Structures: All share

Mini-Lessons Craft Lessons (What authors do) Packet p.2 Craft Lessons (What authors do) Mini-Lessons Procedures (How the workshop works) Conventions (What readers need)

Gather information and ideas before writing. Packet p.3 Ideas/Content What is it? Writing is clear and focused It holds the reader’s attention Anecdotes & details enrich the central theme Narrow, manageable topic Writing from knowledge or experience Fresh, original thoughts Reader’s questions anticipated Scientist Gather information and ideas before writing. Strategies: Writer’s Notebook (p.3) Get Focused! (p.3) Walk N Talk (p.3)

Follow your map. Don’t get off track. Packet p.4 Organization What is it? Enhances & showcases the central idea or theme order, structure, or presentation of information is compelling & moves the reader through the text inviting introductions satisfying or thoughtful conclusions smooth transitions Hiking Guide Follow your map. Don’t get off track. Strategies: Good Beginnings (p.4) Good Endings (p.4) Sequencing (p.4) Revision Techniques (p.4) Four Square Writing (pp.4a-4h)

Abbreviated Version for Constructed Response Items Packet p.4a Four Square + D Abbreviated Version for Constructed Response Items What goes in each of the squares for a constructed response item? Major Detail #1: Major Detail #2: Supporting Detail(s): __________________ Supporting Detail(s): __________________ Central Idea: Summary Statement: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Major Detail #3: Supporting Detail(s): __________________

4 + D + T + V * = Precise and/or vivid language Transition Words Transition Words Packet p.4d 4 + D + T + V Major Detail #1: Major Detail #2: Supporting Details: __________________ _______________ Supporting Detail: __________________ _______________ Central Idea: Transition Words Transition Words Major Detail #1: Summary Statement: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Supporting Details: __________________ _______________ * = Precise and/or vivid language

Packet p.4e Using Transitions In a performance event or essay, it is important to use complex sentences with transition statements within and between paragraphs. Students need to practice using transitions. One reason First For example For instance On one hand One possible solution From one perspective One example To begin To start Second Another reason Another example Also As well as Too In addition Additionally Next Later Suddenly Meanwhile Equally important Third Another reason Another example Also As well as Too In addition Additionally Next Later Suddenly Meanwhile Equally important Consequently As a result Naturally Therefore Finally In short As one can see So you can see Hence Obviously Unquestionably

Using Precise and Vivid Language Packet p.4e Using Precise and Vivid Language Another requirement in writing is the use of precise and vivid language. Too often, our students are vague and do not describe the contents of their answers well enough for a grader to accurately determine their meaning. Precise language includes using nouns instead of pronouns, and specific examples instead of generalities. Vivid language uses words that give the reader a clear mental image of what the writer is describing.

We listen to the teacher’s “voice” a lot. Packet p.5 Voice What is it? Writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling, & engaging Knows audience & purpose Appropriate tone Can sense the writer behind the words Teacher We listen to the teacher’s “voice” a lot. Strategies: The Story Cube (p.5) Real-life Writing (p.5) Student Scoring Practice (p.5a-5c) Types of Titles (p.5d)

Keeps everything flowing nicely. Packet p.6 Sentence Fluency What is it? Writing has an easy flow, rhythm, & cadence Sentences are strong & have varied structure Clear sentences Creative & appropriate connectives Varied beginnings Juggler Keeps everything flowing nicely. Strategies: Reading Aloud (p.6) Transition Hide & Seek (p.6) Self Evaluation (p.6a)

Send wimpy words to word jail. Packet p.7 Word Choice What is it? Precise, interesting, & natural Powerful & engaging Phrases create pictures Vivid verbs Specific nouns Literary devices Police Officer Send wimpy words to word jail. Strategies: Wimpy Words & Word Jail (p.7) Revising with ABC Brainstorm (p.7a) Descriptions Match Game (p.7a)

Use your tools to fix your writing. Packet p.8 Conventions What is it? Grasp of standard writing conventions (spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, paragraphing) uses conventions to enhance readability Mechanic Use your tools to fix your writing. Strategy: No punctuation (p.8) Scavenger Hunt (p.8) MUGS (p.8a)

6 Trait Writing Checklist Packet p.9 6 Trait Writing Checklist

High School MAP Scoring Guide Using the 6 Traits Packet p.9a High School MAP Scoring Guide Using the 6 Traits

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