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

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. 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)

9. 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):
__________________

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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)

14. 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)

15. 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)

16. 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)

17. 6 Trait Writing Checklist
Packet p.9
6 Trait Writing Checklist

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

19. Thank You!