An Introduction to the Six Traits of Writing
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Recognize the Traits in Student Writing
Identify the traits with mentor text
Find anchor papers tied to the lessons within Launching the Writer’s Workshop books.
Check out this list of websites that offer free student writing samples.
Trait Trackers include a list of trait-based writing skills that could be taught using popular picture books.
Acknowledge the traits with the writing standards & process
Black and white mini-posters
BW with color mini-posters
Monochromatic mini-posters
Optional Sentence Fluency Smartphone
Mini-Icons in Word document
Trait Character Mini-Poster templates
Utilize song lyrics and/or mentor text
Consider reading picture books to introduce each trait.
Create a trait-based physical environment
Teach Trait-Based Mini-Lessons
Trait of Ideas: List details with the ABC Chart
PDF | Word | 18×24 poster | Google Slide | Google Jamboard | JPEG (for Smartboard & Promethean)
Trait of Organization: Create a grocery-list pre-write
First list the details, then organize them.
Trait of Voice: Show feelings, don’t tell them
Teach students to show feelings in their writing.
Consider cutting up the Let Your Voice Be Heard poster to note the “showing” details on the back sides.
Trait of Word Choice: Use precise shades of words
Challenge students to write precise synonyms.
Trait of Sentence Fluency: Test for Slinky Sentences
Have students assess if they have adequate sentence-length variety.
Trait of Conventions: Hear punctuation marks
Teach more than the rules behind punctuation marks.