Crystal, this is just what I was looking for! Do you teach 4th
grade too? I looked at the book you suggested on Amazon and wsa
relieved that it was a children's picture book. (I've got a
growing list of adult 6+1 traits books).

You mentioned "circular process chart". Is this something
discussed in the book or is it a 6+1 term? Also, you mentioned
"zoomed in" in regards to features of good writing. I'm not sure
what that means.

I was glad to read your suggestion of creating mental models to
associate with the traits because I did that last year. My idea
and visuals were good, but I didn't know how to most effectively
execute the lesson. I had found a website (one of the many, I'm
learning!) that described the traits. The description included
things like, "Organization is the road map of the paper" so I used
a road map as my visual. "Sentence fluency is the rhythm of the
paper" so I borrowed drumsticks as my visual. Etc, etc.

On 7/30/09, Crystal De la Mora wrote:
> The best thing to do to introduce writing to 4th graders is this:
>
> First introduce the concept of writing as a circular process
> and also emphasize the revision step. (If I had a nickel for
> every time a kid told me they were done; I'd be rich.) A good
> book for this is "What Do Authors Do?" by Eileen Christenlow.
> It is a good lesson for the first week. Chart the steps the
> author in the story does as a whole group, then make a writing
> process sign to post in class. Check assessment by having
> students create a circular process chart for something they do
> all the time ex: make toast, a bowl of cereal, get ready for
> school.
>
> The second week of school slowly introduce the 6 traits: maybe
> two a day. Find examples of each trait in familiar books.
> Devise mental models so students can associate each trait with
> something in their mind. Nothing too in depth, but something
> short and sweet so they are aware of the traits and some
> characteristics of them.
>
> Once they have the writing process and are aware of the
> process, I move to idea. I spend 4 to 6 weeks on idea. If
> they don't have idea down, they no introduction will make it
> shine. While teaching traits, I am doing grammar (sentence
> structure and editing) I also have a good writers chart so the
> class can remember features of good writing (zoomed in, sensory
> detail, catchy introduction, etc)
>
> I don't know if this helps or hurts you. Although I have
> Harcourt Collections at my school. I use trade book whenever
> possible to teach reading and writing.
>

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