1. The Traits of Good Writing In a Nutshell!

2. Why Teach Writing? Contributes to intelligence Develops initiative Develops courage Encourages reading skills

3. Myths “The Trait Lady Speaks Up”

4. Myth #1: The Traits are a Writing Curriculum. Some think: the traits are a writing curriculum. you should teach only a few traits to younger students you should assign different traits to different grades. But really: they are a shared vocabulary to describe what good writing looks like at every age. students need all of the traits at every grade level every time they write.

5. Myth #2: The writing process and the traits are different things. Some think: the writing process and the traits are different things. 6 Traits is a program. making students aware of the traits is the answer to teaching writing. it’s a structure. But really: they are two sides of the same coin. they are a series of reflective thinking stages. is an assessment tool and a kind of language to communicate about writing. it’s the language and thinking used within the structure of the writing process/writer’s workshop.

6. Myth #3: You adopt the traits program. Some think: 6 Traits is a canned/scripted program. you only use 6 Traits “stuff” it’s activities for skills and practice. But really: it’s a model for teaching the writing process. it’s flexible. it’s built around models of good text such as books, magazines, etc. it’s a common language they helps promote life- long strategies.

7. Myth #4: You teach the traits, the writing takes care of itself. Some think: you teach the traits and the writing takes care of itself. they’ll solve instructional issues and give you more time. canned programs alleviate the “mess” of teaching writing. But really: you have to teach the writing process. they’ll give students the opportunity to write more, better, and more widely because they reveal the mystery of writing. you can’t, nor should you want to avoid the mess— the traits help break down the complex writing process.

8. Myth #5: The traits are not part of writing workshop. Some think: the 6 Traits are not part of writing workshop. But really: they’re a common language during writing workshop and used when assessing and talking about writing students apply skills they learn in real writing. it provides opportunities for students to think, write, reflect, discuss, revise, edit and most of all, collaborate. they provide a built-in model to ensure children learn the craft.

9. Conferencing about versus covering the traits Some think: you cover the traits by going from lesson to lesson, proofreading and editing you point out errors the conversations are teacher driven But really: you conference using back and forth dialogue you discuss the traits through the child’s writing to help him/her build ownership. conferencing offers the opportunity to give advice to writers. it empowers rather than condemns writers.

10. Why Teach the Traits? Provides common language Provides gateway to revision Provides consistent assessment Supports the writing process

11. Redwoods vs. Mouse Alert What’s good What’s not

12. Let’s Take a Closer Look...

13. IDEAS Narrow and focused topic Fresh and unique ideas Specific, intriguing details Accurate information

14. ORGANIZATION Inviting lead that hooks Clear, logical order Smooth transitions Well-paced Memorable ending

15. VOICE Has energy Has my “fingerprints” on it Has passion for the topic Begs to be read aloud

16. WORD CHOICE Strong verbs and precise nouns Awesome adjectives Unique, memorable phrases Vivid descriptions that sound natural

17. SENTENCE FLUENCY Natural rhythm Flows…easy to read aloud Some long sentences, some short Sentences begin in different ways

18. CONVENTIONS Correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and usage Effective paragraphing

19. Teaching Conventions Teach conventions separately 15 minutes a day 3 days a week Every week All year long Every year

20. PRESENTATION Neat handwriting Uniform margins Effective illustrations/graphics Correct format

21. How to Teach the Traits Use GOOD literature Focused mini-lessons Use student samples MODEL, MODEL, MODEL, MODEL

22. What do I do now? 1.Teach the writing process Clay Activity Speed Week

23. What’s Next? 2.Establish a writer’s notebook Teach strategies through mini- lessons Teach the traits to help students become better writers

24. Finally... Teach the forms of writing using the writing process Letters Stories Reports Poems Articles

25. Just Do It!