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 The 6 + 1 Traits of Writing

Donald Murray put forward the view "Writing is a craft before it is an art; writing may appear magic, but it is our responsibility to take our students backstage to watch the pigeons being tucked up in the magician's sleeve."

What is the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing, one may ask?



The 6 + 1 Traits of Writing is a way of teaching, modeling and assessing the instruction of writing. It is a shared vocabulary for teachers and students. In addition, the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing helps us to teach the Qualities of Good Writing. It also support the writing process of Prewriting, Drafting, Sharing Writing with others, Revising, Editing and Publishing.

The 6 + 1 Traits of Writing includes:


Ideas 
Ideas are the heart of the writing. The content of what you are going to write.

Organization

Organization is the structure of writing. The pattern of ideas within a piece of writing.

Word Choice

Word Choice is using the right words or phrases.

Sentence Fluency

Sentence Fluency is the speed of which words are flow.

Voice
Voice is the feeling of the writer coming out through the words.

Conventions


Conventions refer to the mechanical corrections of the writing.

Presentations


Presentation is the overall appearance of the writing.

The  6 + 1 Traits of  Writing provide a system for accurate, reliable feedback to students as well as helpful guide for instructions.





















Comments

  1. KimberlyOctober 10, 2021 at 5:07 PM

    As teachers, it is important for us to remember that all great written pieces went through a process or craft. teachers need to help students build and perfect their art of writing and expect a well written piece on the students first try. The 6 + 1 traits of writing is a practice I think every teacher should employ in their classroom.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sherry-annOctober 10, 2021 at 6:08 PM

    I think you left out "not" in the second sentence of your comment Kimberly. I agree with what your saying and what Monique has put forward. That quote really helps us to rethink our ways of teaching writing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownNovember 21, 2021 at 10:31 PM

    Good writer are great communicators and these traits can develop students craft and make them well rounded writers.

    ReplyDelete

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