Six Trait Writing Process
Six traits of writing define excellent written expression.
Six trait writing process makes teaching writing strategies a snap. Writing terms explained with links to creative teaching activities!
Six Trait Writing Process Explained
1. Six Traits of Writing: Ideas/Content
Elementary writing skills start with focusing on ideas. The content is the heart of the message. Often, guiding students towards refining ideas is the hardest part of teaching writing to children. Students have to learn that a clear message with supporting details is critical to clear communication.
2. Six Traits of Writing: Organization
Children need to be specifically taught how to organize their writing. Strong beginnings, effective sequencing with transitions and satisfactory conclusions make writing engaging. Strategies for teaching writing organization results in easier and more enjoyable to read pieces.
3. Six Traits of Writing: Voice
Voice is what the words “sound” like. Teaching writing to children involves having them explore their own voice, and make their writing sound like them.
4. Six Traits of Writing: Word Choice
Word Choice is often mistaken for complicated vocabulary. Teaching word choice does involve vocabulary building activities, but it is also about developing the ability to choose the right words to convey the meaning in everyday writing.
5. Six Traits of Writing: Sentence Fluency
Sentence fluency is how a piece of writing sounds when it is read out loud. Sentences vary in length and complexity. The entire piece reads smoothly and leads to greater understanding of the text.
6. Six Traits of Writing: Good Writing Skills and Conventions
Conventions are the technical part of the six trait writing process. While not always fun to teach, there are many creative teaching ideas that can be used to support this trait. If correct conventions are not adhered to, then understanding of the text will be impaired. The correct spelling of words does matter.
There is one more trait that is often referred to. We call this 6+1: Presentation.
Presentation is how a finished product looks. Writing must be inviting to read by its' appearance. Think of it like a bookstore – we are naturally drawn to the books that look attractive and attract attention. The presentation of writing is key to a polished, finished piece.
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