The 6+1 Traits of Writing Explained - Adwon Carty

Hey Readers! Today we will be looking at the 6+1 traits of writing. What is the 6+1 traits or writing you may ask?

The 6+1 Traits of Writing is a framework that utilizes seven (6+1) components to build both teacher and students skills of composing, editing  and revising all types of writing.  

The 6+1 Traits of writing Includes:

A. Ideas

    The first trait of writing capsules all the thoughts surrounding the prompt or topic to be written. Within this trait, the writer generates and documents all possible avenues, ideas, and focuses their perspective of which they are writing. It is vital within this trait, that the students are focused and elaborate well enough on the necessary points to be discussed. 

Here are some guidelines for the Idea trait: 

1. The topic is narrow, clear and manageable. 

2. The supporting details provide information that goes beyond the obvious.

 

3. The supporting details are accurate and support the main idea. 

4. The writer knows what he/she is writing about. The writing shows knowledge or experience about the idea. 

5. The writer provides information that is important. 

6. The reader understands what the writer is trying to convey and can often visualize the information.

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Ideas Trait: 

1. Ask the student to write about a thing that they love. This may be a favorite vacation, a hobby, an animal etc. Children love to write about things that interest them. 

2. Read a story that contains and elaborates on good ideas. Discuss how the author writes so that the reader can visualize what is happening in the story. Have the student write about an event in their life, then have someone else listen to the piece of writing and draw a picture of what they visualize based on what they have heard. 

    

B. Organization

    Once the ideas are narrowed and focused, students must organize those ideas and place them in a logical order which will greater enhance the structure of the written piece. This will allow students to gain a sense of 'Rhythm and Flow' when writing and provide an opportunity for the writer to chose an appropriate medium for their presentation. Organizing the students writing, will eliminate confusion and frustration for the writer and the reader due it the steady flow and merging of points. 

The following are guidelines for the Organization trait: 

1. Before writing, think about how the writing should be structured to be the most effective. Is there a pattern that can be used that would be the most successful in relaying the purpose of the writing? (Compare/contrast, sequencing etc.) 

2. Choose an introduction that is an “attention grabber.” The reader must be interested in reading on. 

3. Use transitions within the writing that connects the ideas together and allows for the paper to flow. 

4. Use details where they are appropriate and needed. Sequencing must be logical in order for it to be effective. 

5. The writing piece shows that the organization flows and the reader is engaged in the reading. 

6. The conclusion leaves the reader with resolution.

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Organization Trait: 

Hand out six index cards. Choose and activity such as brushing your teeth. Have the student write down the step-by-step procedure for the activity they choose. Mix the index cards and have another person put the cards in the order that the activity should take place. Discus how the importance of writing events in logical order gives the reader a clear picture of the purpose of the writing. 

C. Voice

When a writer's individuality is evident in their work, voice in writing is developed. It demonstrates the writer's interest in the subject and gives the reader the impression that a real person is speaking to them and is interested in what they are reading. The writer creates a connection with the reader by infusing their writing with emotions, zeal, uniqueness, and/or passion.

The following are guidelines for the Voice trait: 

1. The manner of the writing shows that the reader is interested in the topic, which engages the reader.

2. The reader feels “connected” to the writer.

3. The writers’ personality is evident in the writing 

4. Expository or persuasive writing shows evidence of a commitment of the writer to the topic. 

5. Narrative writing is honest, appealing, personal and engages the reader. The reader reacts to the writing. 

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Voice Trait: 

Encourage students to say what they mean in writing. Often children can verbally express their thoughts and ideas. Tell them to verbally state an idea, and then put those words down onto paper.

D. Word Choice

Word choice in writing is selecting words that will provide clarity, elicit emotions, moods, likes, and dislikes, and paint a clear image for the reader. Pupils learn that there are various forms of intellectual expression. When they incorporate new and different words into their writing, they develop a greater awareness of the power and usage of language.

The following are guidelines for the Word Choice trait: 

1. The words are specific to where the reader understands what the writer means. 

2. Words and phrases are used to maintain the readers’ attention. The reader is anxious to read on.

3. The selection of words should include new words, words that show action or movement, words that describe, words that go beyond the child’s spelling ability, words that help the reader see, feel, hear, taste, or understand. 

4. Lively verbs, adverbs, and adjectives are used to develop the writing. Nouns are specific to add depth and clarity. 

 5. Repetition of words is avoided at both the beginning of sentences and within the writing piece. Choosing a variety of words makes reading more enjoyable. (For example: over use of the words the, they, nice, good, said, it etc.) 

6. The language used in the writing is appropriate and effective for the meaning to be conveyed. 

7. The right words or phrases are chosen and used within the writing to make it more powerful. 

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Word Choice Trait: 

1. Choose a sentence with an overused word and write it down. For example: I had a very good day. Rewrite the sentence and use a blank instead of good. I had a very __________ day. Talk about different words or phrases that could be used instead of good to create a better sentence. 

2. Create a Thesaurus with overused words. For example, write the word said on the top of the page. Brainstorm different words that could be used instead of said. The following words may be included: shouted, exclaimed, whispered, gasped etc. 

E. Sentence Fluency

The quality of writing we look for is sentence fluidity. It is hearing the rhythm and flow of the written language. Sentences should differ in length and structure in well-written pieces so that the reader can add their own thoughts as they read. The author employs coherent, unambiguous sentences. To demonstrate the connections between ideas, sentences should also flow naturally.

The following are guidelines for the Sentence Fluency trait:

1. Sentences should enhance the topic or main idea. 

2. Sentences match the mood of the writing. 

3. Sentences should vary in length and structure. 

4. Sentence beginnings should be purposeful and varied.

 

5. Sentences should flow together. Transitions and connections between sentences show how they relate to and build upon each other. 

6. The writer chose words that sound good and the writing is easy to read. 

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Sentence Fluency Trait:

1.Read a story from the book list. Talk about the use of sentence fluency and how it improves the story.

 

2. Practice writing using similes, rhymes, and alliterations. 

3. Practice writing using simple and compound sentences.  

F. Conventions

Writing conventions include editing procedures. This covers capitalization, grammar, punctuation, spelling, indentation, and paragraphing. Accurate usage of conventions makes it easier for the reader to follow up and understand the content. An additional factor to take into account when evaluating a student's writing conventions is their age and grade level. 

The following are guidelines for the Conventions trait: 

1. Writing is left to right and up to down orientation 

2. Spacing between words is adequate. 

3. Spelling is generally correct. 

4. Punctuation is accurate and appropriate for the grade level. 

5. Capitalization is consistent throughout the writing. 

6. Proper use of grammar that helps to clarify the piece. 

7. Appropriate use of paragraphing within the writing. Indentation is used correctly. 

8. The use of conventions adds style to the writing.

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Conventions Trait:

 1. Have the student write a paragraph. Use the checklist provided to edit their writing. 

2. Write a paragraph with incorrect punctuation, grammar, and capitalization. Have the students edit the paragraph to find the mistakes

G. Presentation

This is the overall appearance of the piece and how the writer chooses to display their work to their audience. This may include but not limited to font style and size, paragraph formatting which will all contribute to the readability of the work being produced.  

Thank you for reading !

Explaining the 6+1 Traits of Writing - Jahirah Archibald

Hey readers! Welcome back!  Today we are going to learn about the 6+1 Traits of Writing. The 6+1 Traits of Writing is a fantastic framework for improving and assessing writing skills. Let's dive into each trait:

Reflecting on our recent writing session in the classroom, it's clear that the foundational elements of great writing were under the spotlight. We looked into what makes ideas strong and interesting because we know that ideas are what make a great piece of writing great. It helped us remember to check whether our work has a clear main idea. Are the supporting facts interesting and important, giving our story more weight? We didn't stop there, we also learned how to manage the seas of order, knowing that a well-organized piece is what leads readers through our thoughts. We looked at the logical flow from one point to the next to make sure there were smooth changes that helped people understand instead of making it harder. The lesson emphasized how important it is to have a framework that not only exists but also helps the reader understand. Voice, the unique style that gives writing life, became an important factor. We set out on a trip to find the unique tones, styles, and quirks that make our voices uniquely ours. It was a challenge to try new things and find realness in the harmony of words. The choice of words was broken down with surgical accuracy. As a result, we were told to be careful with clichés and focus on being precise and lively. We were pushed to explore the vast world of language and choose words that make us think of pictures, feel things, and take our work to new levels. A lot of attention was paid to sentence fluidity, which is the rhythm and flow that give writing its music. We learned how to mix short and long lines and play with different patterns to make a piece that moves to its own beat. Reading out loud became our way to find a natural and pleasing rhythm. Conventions, which are often the hidden stars of good writing, were made more clear. It was stressed how important language, capitalization and writing are for making our thoughts stronger. We were more determined than ever to review our work after the session because we knew that sloppy mistakes can make even the best ideas look bad. Then there was the hero who wasn't said: display. It was recognized that the way our writing looks on the page is an unspoken factor in how easy it is to read. It was decided that clear styles, good layout and well-organized lines would help our material rather than take away from it. When we think back on this journey through the pillars of good writing, it's not just a list to check off, but a way to improve how we tell stories. I'm always learning more about the art and skill of making words into something that goes beyond the ordinary. It's a trip that offers growth, creativity and control of the written word.

1. Ideas:

   
   
   

This trait makes up the bulk of the writing. It is the words on the paper, the main theme, and the details that support it. It involves showing the ideas to the reader, not telling them. An idea is only strong when the message is clear and organized well. 

2. Organization:

   

A ‘well-organized piece’ flows logically from one point to the next. Ensure that your writing has a clear and effective structure. Transitions between ideas should be smooth, and the overall organization should enhance the reader's understanding.

3. Voice:

Voice is the ‘unique personality’ that comes through in the writing. It reflects the author's tone, style, and individuality. A strong voice captivates the reader and makes the writing more engaging. Experiment with different tones and styles until you find what feels authentic to you.

4. Word Choice:

   
   
   

The words you choose can make or break your writing. Aim for precise and vivid language. Avoid clichés and use words that evoke the desired emotions or imagery. A rich vocabulary enhances the overall quality of your writing.

5. Sentence Fluency:

   
   
   

Good writing has a rhythm and flow, achieved through varied sentence structures. Mix short and long sentences, use different sentence beginnings, and pay attention to the overall cadence. Read your writing aloud to ensure it has a natural and pleasing rhythm.

6. Conventions:

Conventions include grammar, punctuation, and spelling. A piece of writing with strong ideas can be undermined by poor grammar or spelling mistakes. Proofread carefully, and consider seeking feedback from others to catch errors you might have missed.

     +1 Presentation:

While not always explicitly included, how your writing looks on the page matters. Proper formatting, clear fonts, and well-organized paragraphs contribute to the overall readability of your work. Make sure your presentation enhances, not distracts from, your content.

Remember, these traits are not a checklist to be completed one by one. They often intertwine, complementing and influencing each other. 

6 + 1 Traits of Writing -T'zhuja Johnson

The Six Plus One Trait is a method for instructing, demonstrating, and evaluating writing instruction. This structure was created to evaluate and enhance writing abilities. It allows teachers to identify students' strengths and weaknesses in writing a piece.

An easy way to remember the 6 + 1 traits: V.I.P.C.O.W.S

Voice             

Ideas

Presentation

Conventions

Organization

Word Choice

Sentence Fluency

Voice: associated with the distinctiveness and personality of the writer's style. It examines the writing's tone, personality, and ability to draw the reader in by the author's voice.

Ideas: examines the writing's content and core message. It assesses how well the writer explains their point, the specifics, and the coherence of the main idea.

Presentation:  examines the structure and general look of the written content. It takes into account elements like the placement of pictures, headlines, fonts, and spacing. (Sometimes considered the "Plus One Trait")

Conventions: pertain to the norms and procedures of writing, encompassing spelling, grammar, and punctuation. This feature looks at how well the writer adheres to these guidelines.

Organization: focuses on the structure of the writing. It takes into account the concepts presented, the text's overall flow, and the skillful use of transitions to move ideas from one paragraph or section to the next.

Word Choice: evaluates the writer's linguistic appropriateness and vocabulary. It evaluates if the author conveys their point clearly and vividly through their use of language.

Sentence Fluency:  assesses the writing's rhythm and flow. It examines the range of sentence forms and how to employ sentence starts to make reading enjoyable.

Advantages of the Writing Traits

• Individualized Feedback: teachers can help students focus on areas that need work by giving them detailed criticism on various parts of their writing.

• Structured Evaluation: the framework offers an organized method for discussing and evaluating writing. Giving students specific comments in an educational setting can be very beneficial.

• Improved Revision: students are encouraged to rewrite their work methodically by the framework, which improves the general quality of their writing.

Disadvantages of the Writing Traits

• Time-Intensive: effectively putting the 6 + 1 Traits approach into practice might take a lot of effort in terms of both teaching and evaluation, therefore it might not be appropriate in all educational environments.

• Complexity: assessing writers who are very young or unskilled may find the process hard if all six + one traits are used. It might take a lot of time and be overwhelming.

• Subjectivity: evaluating writing characteristics might be arbitrary at times. One person's definition of a powerful "voice" may not be the same as another's. Grading that is inconsistent can result from this subjectivity.

-Thanks for stopping by!

The writing process and the relationship between the 6 + 1 traits of writing. - Adwon Carty

The writing process is a recursive series of steps that emergent and expert writers use to build their writing capabilities. The writing process is recursive in nature because it allows writers to revisit any stage at any given time to improve the level and skills of the writer.

 

The writing process consists of five (steps). These steps include:

 

1. Pre-writing: Generation ideas surrounding a topic

 

2. Drafting: A rough piece of writing from the selected generated ideas.

 

3. Revising: Ensure the content and the topic matches and is relevant to what is being discussed, asked or stated.

 

4. Editing: Ensuring grammar, mechanics, spelling other miniscule aspects of the texts are coherent and not left to be decoded by the reader.

 

5. Publishing: The final piece of writing that is free of errors or mechanical issues that is to be presented to any audience.

 

Along with these five recursive steps to the writing process, there are seven traits of writing all emergent and proficient writers must know about. These seven traits are:

1.  Ideas: the meaning and development of the message. 

2. Organization: The internal structure of the piece. 

3. Voice: the tone of the piece or the personal style/stamp the writers translates into their piece.

4. Word Choice: The specific vocabulary the writer uses to convey meaning. 

5. Sentence Fluency: the way the words and phrases flow throughout the text/piece.

6. Conventions: the mechanical correctness of the text 

7. Presentation: the overall appearance of the text and work done

These 7 traits works in collaboration with one or more stage of the writing process, as pointers or target areas that should be focused when writing any given piece.

" The Writing Process" and " The relationship between the Writing Process and 6+ 1 Traits" - Jahirah Archibald

Hey there! Today, I want to chat about something we all hold: The Art of Putting Pen To Paper (or fingers to keyboard). Writing, for me, is like embarking on a journey with no map. It's both thrilling and challenging. 

The Writing Process

Let's talk about the wild ride that is the writing process. It's a journey filled with excitement, frustration, and everything in between. From the initial spark of an idea to the final period, each step has its own unique flavor. Sometimes it's smooth sailing, and other times it feels like wrestling with words.

Oh, the writing process! It can feel like a jumbled mess of ideas at first, but then it turns into a beautiful music of words. I recently had the pleasure of going to a class that taught me how to write a creative gem. In this piece, I think about what I learned and how the 6+1 traits helped me along my artistic path.

During the pre-writing part, I learned how important it is to let my thoughts wander and let my ideas run wild and play without being limited by structure. It felt freeing to accept the chaos, knowing that things would become clear in due course. As I thought about it, this is what gives writing its soul, the ideas trait's beating heart. The goal is to make the message clear, define the story, and build a strong base.

The thrill of making something from scratch got stronger as I worked on the draft. The workshop's advice kept playing in my head as I wrote an interesting beginning, like the first notes of a catchy tune. When I was writing, I realized that the Organization trait was most important. It was like a plan that helped people stay on track as they went through my words.

As I wrote, I focused on my voice, which is what makes each piece of writing special. I learned at the class that I shouldn't be afraid to let my attitude show. Without a doubt, my style, like a unique tune, could make my work stand out in a sea of words.

Watch out when you pick words—this became my mantra during the Word Choice stage. Each word had the power to paint a detailed picture and make people feel something, like an artist choosing tones. The class taught me how to paint with words and told me to pick my words carefully to make a beauty.

I learned that the beat that keeps the reader interested is sentence fluency. By using both short and long lines together, you can make a tune that runs through the whole piece, making it into a creative work. The workshop's advice on how to organize sentences helped me write this beautiful string of words.

During the editing process, conventions, which are often the silent stars, became the most important parts of my work. The workshop stressed how important it is to use correct language and phrasing to make sure things are clear. As suggested, reading my work out loud turned into a secret quest to find hidden language bugs, which I did with the accuracy of a spy.

The last trait in the 6+1 set is Presentation, which is the +1. The workshop helped me remember how important it is to show my work well. Formatting, font, and space all help draw readers into the world I've made. That one last thing that turns a well-written piece into a beautiful work of art.

I felt so proud when I hit the "Publish" button. With the 6+1 traits I learned at the class, I was ready to start my own unique writing journey. Like every word I wrote, it was a step toward my literary work, and I loved every step of the messy, beautiful process of writing. Cheers to enjoying the dance of ideas and making great use of the 6+1 traits! Have fun writing, my fellow writers!

Now, let's dive into the connection between the writing process and the 6+1 traits. Think of these traits as your trusty tools, each serving a specific purpose in crafting your literary masterpiece.

The 6+1 Traits

Ideas: This is the heart of your work. What's your message? What story are you telling? Nail down those ideas, and your writing will have a solid foundation.

Organization: Imagine your writing is a road trip. The organization is the road map. It keeps your readers on track and ensures your ideas flow seamlessly.

Voice: Your unique voice is what makes your writing stand out. It's the personality behind the words. Don't be afraid to let your voice shine through.

Word Choice: Like a painter selecting colors, choose your words carefully. The right word can paint a vivid picture and evoke powerful emotions.

Sentence Fluency: Think of this as the rhythm of your writing. Mix up short and long sentences to create a melody that keeps readers engaged.

Conventions: Grammar and punctuation may not be the rock stars of writing, but they're the backbone. Proper conventions ensure your message is clear and easy to understand.

Presentation (The +1): How you present your work matters. This includes the formatting, the font, and even the spacing. A well-presented piece is more inviting to readers.

So, fellow writers, enjoy how messy the writing process can be and use the 6+1 traits like a pro. Everyone writes, so remember that every word you put down is a step toward your own unique journey. Everyone have fun writing.

The Writing Process and The 6+1 Traits of Writing - T'zhuja Johnson

 "The Writing Process" and "The 6+1 Traits of Writing" was discussed during last week's session.

The writing process is a series of steps that writers follow to create and produce written content. It is a cyclical process, so at any given point you might need to go back and examine and improve your approaches on prior steps. The five steps of the writing process include prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. While the writing traits framework was created to evaluate and enhance writing abilities. The seven writing pillars are: voice, organization, ideas, conventions, word choice, sentence fluency, and presentation. The writing process and writing traits operate together as complimentary ideas to guide and assess the standards of written results. The writing process aids in the production of content, and the writing traits offer a framework for assessing the quality of that content. Writers can thoroughly enhance their work to make it more effective by using the writing traits as evaluation criteria at different phases of the writing process.

Welcome!!!

We are delighted to welcome you to our blog, which is dedicated to the beautiful world of fostering writing in primary grades. We believe that each child has a distinct narrative to tell and a voice that needs to be heard. 

Estamos encantados de darle la bienvenida a nuestro blog, dedicado al hermoso mundo del fomento de la escritura en los grados primarios. Creemos que cada ninotiene una narrativa distinta que contar y una voz que necesita ser escuhada.

Nous sommes ravis de vous accueillir sur notre blog dedie au monde magnifique de l'encouragement a l'ecriture au primaire. Nous pensons que chaque enfant a une histoire distincte a raconter et une voix qui doit etre entendue.