6 + 1 = 7 Traits of Writing

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When I was younger, I loved putting puzzles together. I was always fascinated to know that what seemed to be an absolute mess by itself, could turn into something really beautiful once all the pieces were in place. 

This week's blog post is about just that... seven separate pieces of the writing puzzle that combine to create a beautiful writing piece.

Ruth Culham referred to these seven components as the 6 +1 traits of Writing. It is a program designed to help students become better writers. 

Here is a mnemonic device that can be used to help you remember the seven traits of writing... 

I only write very cool sentences. Period! (as the young people would say).

 So let's get into it... What exactly are these seven traits of writing?

I- Ideas    

Ideas are the content of the writing writing piece... 

           The ideas are the "heart and soul" of the piece.



Only- Organization        

Organization is the internal structure of the writing piece... 

                        It also refers to how the piece is represented.



Write- Word Choice

Word Choice is concerned with using the right words that 

                 give clarity, evoke feelings, moods, like and dislikes and 

                  creates a vivid picture in the readers mind. 



Very- Voice 

When a writer's personality and flair 

                                                                              speaks through the writing piece. 



Cool- Conventions 


Conventions is the mechanical correctness of the piece. 

                     This includes the spelling, indentation, punctuation, 

                        grammar, capitalization and paragraphing.



Sentences- Sentence Fluency

This trait speaks to our sense of hearing. 
                                                                    It is the rhythm and flow of the piece.



Period- Presentation 

The overall appearance of the author's work.



When all seven pieces of the puzzle come together, a beautiful, well put together piece is created. 





Think you've got it down pat? Let's test it out. 
Look at the piece of writing below and let me know in the comments which trait mentioned, the student needs help with. 



- Onida Tyrell




Comments

  1. Zoe ClarkeOctober 9, 2021 at 3:39 PM

    Onida, I think the child need help with convention. The Conventions traits refers to the piece's mechanical correctness and consists of five components: spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar/usage, and paragraphing. However I do understand how this child is trying to structure his/her piece.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Onida T.October 17, 2021 at 8:07 PM

      Zoe, you are definitely correct! This child needs some assistance with the conventions aspect. Good job for realizing that.

      Delete
  2. Kathlyn HobsonOctober 12, 2021 at 9:52 PM

    Onida I love love these 7 components of writing. Each one is essential to help students become better writers in society.

    ReplyDelete
  3. WilliamsDecember 2, 2021 at 10:22 AM

    I agree with Zoe. The child needs help in the conventions aspect. I liked how you represented this week's blog as a puzzle. All of the traits were separate and then they came together. It is important for students to recognize that all of these traits must work together for the writing piece to be good.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownDecember 8, 2021 at 10:37 PM

    Onida, these seven strategies of writing are definitely important to both teachers and students. I too like that you presented the blog in the form of a puzzle. When these traits combine, students are able to produce excellent work. Thank you for sharing. I will definitely employ these in my classroom.
    -P. Hodge

    ReplyDelete

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