Best-of-Smekens Writing Conference:
Writing Remix 2019
SECRET SITE
Six-Traits Essentials
SESSION 1
Recognize the 6 Traits within K-12 Student Writing
Connect each trait with a visual icon
Connect the traits to writing standards & writing process
SESSION 2
Introduce the 6 Traits to Students
SESSION 3
Manage an Effective Trait-Based Writer’s Workshop
SESSION 4
Discover 9 Ways to Target Elaboration and Organization
The Big Book of Details
Launching the Writer’s Workshop:
K-2 version | 3-12 version
Develop ideas with support details
This same concept can be taught at any grade level- just use different anchor papers.
Watch the complete mini-lesson video (above)
and then access all the related resources (below).
After revealing the original and revised “Spring Break” examples, guide students to try adding legs to undeveloped ideas.
Pet Care Example | School Dance Example | Team Support Example
Demonstrate elaboration with color
View second grade mini-lesson on developing with Sticky Dots.
Add sentences to undeveloped ideas using sticky dots.
“Spring” Examples
Transition to pre-writing and digital devices
Organize information based on task and purpose
Introduce flexible and universal graphic organizers
Introduce each organization type with a series of 3 mini-posters.
Utilize the Organize It Table Tent to select the appropriate order of information. Simple assembly.
SESSION 5
Assess Writing with a 6-Traits Rubric
Create non-writing rubrics
Desk Rubric
Grade 4 Example
Locker Rubric
Grade 10 Example
Launching the Writer’s Workshop: Grades 3-12
Chapter 7 – “Building Rubrics”
Build an initial writing rubric
