Sunday, November 5, 2023

 The 6 + 1 Writing Traits 

By Shaniel Liburd-Bryan


This week, we learned about the 6 + 1 writing traits. And I have to admit, when our lecturer introduced the topic and asked if we ever heard about them, my reaction was:


However, after I learned about what exactly the 6+1 traits are and how to incorporate them into any piece of writing, I gained a deeper understanding of how essential these components are to writing. This framework was developed by education experts to help teachers such as myself to evaluate and improve students' writing. In my learning process of the traits, I realized that it focuses and details the seven key areas which are ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation.

My most significant takeaways from learning about these traits was that each one plays a pivotal role in a successful writing piece. For example:

  • The idea trait for me, would have a writer really think critically and creatively to ensure that their readers are engaged and the ideas make sense.
  • How effective organizing your writing helps anyone reading to follow the flow of your ideas and give the piece structure.
  • That you can bring out and have your unique personality and perspective shine through writing. 
  •  A big difference can occur once you select precise and powerful words that can convey the meaning effectively.
  • That rhythm and rhyme don't always pertain to music but go hand in hand with one's sentence fluency.
  • Presenting your work does not just end with how well your handwriting is but it is a combination of several elements that make up this trait.

Now you might be wondering, shouldn't it be 7 takeaways? For myself, no it is not. You see, from my experience teaching and learning about writing, I have always known about the conventions and mechanics of writing. For most, if not all teachers, this was the main element they graded students' writing on. I for one have been a part of that group of teachers. However, learning about these traits not only gives me a more in-depth way of grading my students' work but it helps me to model and show students how they can self-check their writing before handing it in.

So, don't just take my word for it. Get to know about the 6 + 1 traits for yourself and be amazed at how beneficial knowing those traits are.
 

Until our next blog……….











1 comment:

  1. Your initial reaction towards hearing about the the 6+1 writing traits resonates with many, including myself. Your breakdown of each trait's role in successful writing is insightful, and your commitment to helping students self-check their writing is admirable. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

                                                             "Crafting Minds through Writing"  - by Shanice Phipps                ...