Any
writer can say that learning the craft of writing is more than enough of a
challenge. Teaching that craft to others can be much more difficult. As
teachers, we have to do both in order to be effective teachers that get results
in the classroom. The 6 + 1 writing Trait is a model to help students
learn how to write effectively. According to the model, six key traits make up quality writing and an extra trait. The six traits are
ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. The
seventh extra trait is presentation.
This
week, each blogging group were given the task of presenting one of the writing
traits. I compare it to getting ready and putting on makeup.
Firstly,
Trait one: Ideas ensure you know where you are going; having that idea will drive the entire makeup and contouring process. Similarly, ideas make
up the bulk of the writing—the meaning and development of a piece. Like a
well-made face, ideas involve showing to the reader, not telling them. Priming
one’s face can help the ideas/makeup stick to it.
Secondly,
Trait two is organization; making up
one’s face is a process that must be followed step-by-step to get great
results. Likewise, this particular trait involves how you structure your piece
of writing. It also involves the path guiding the central meaning, the pattern,
and the sequence of a piece. The organization is only strong if it fits the
ideas, just like choosing and organizing your make in the order you will put them
primer, eye colour, foundations, contour, setting spray and lashes.
Trait
three: Voice
Mixing
foundation is essential in getting the right shade to allow your face to speak
and look flawless. Similarly, whenever a writer begins a piece, they write with
a particular tone. This is known as their voice. This is where a piece of
writing gets its heart, that individual piece of the writer that cannot be
copied. Like my shade would not be your shade, get your shade/ voice.
Trait four: word choice
Now
that we have found our correct foundation shade, we will now use our brush
(word choice) to blend it into our skin. This part is critical since you want
the makeup to become part of your face. In the same way, a writer’s choice of
words can make a significant difference in a work. Not only does word choice
show functionality and an understanding of language, but it can move and inform
the reader. Keep blending sisters with the right brush/word choice.
Trait
five: Sentence fluency
It is
essential to know that a piece of writing without rhythm and flow can be
awkward and slow a reader’s progress through the piece. In like manner, doing
your makeup involves high lighting and contouring; these are to highlight key
points on your face. When the light hits, it will glow. Writing with cadence,
rhythm, movement, and power will allow the writer to write fluidly, and the
reader will be able to read the piece fluidly without pausing to say, “Wait,
what was the writer just trying to say?”
Trait
six: conventions
It is
time for our setting powder and spray; these are used to fix what you put on
your face. These will allow the makeup to stay on a date night or just out with
the girls, just like conventions, which deal with the mechanics of a piece or
using it to correct a piece of writing. Five elements are involved: spelling,
capitalization, grammar, punctuation, and paragraphing. Keep in mind what
setting spray you are using since we all have different types of skin. In like
manner, when teaching writing conventions to students, it is vital to keep
their grade level in mind.
The
extra trait: Presentation
Finally,
we are here to finish the touch/presentation, a little eyelash for those who
like it. In a nutshell, presentation is how the writing is viewed on paper.
Someone whose handwriting is illegible can still likely have their writing
rejected, no matter how well-constructed and vivid a piece of writing may be. This
trait stood out for me, just like eyelashes or eye colour can make or break a
look. A poorly presented work can detour a person from reading a piece.
Completing the right step can make or break a look. Technical writers
especially pay close attention to presentation as they include plenty of visual
aids and graphics along with their text.
Let us use these makeup/ straits to help build confident writers. As they make giant strides towards lifting their voices and ideas off the pages.
Hi Cordelia! Your analogy of relating the 6+1 writing traits to the process of applying makeup is brilliant! Being a makeup lover myself, I was able to relate quite easily to your post. Just as each step in makeup application enhances one's appearance, these traits are like the essential elements that enhance a writer's work. Your comparison makes the complex art of writing feel accessible and engaging, emphasizing the importance of creativity, organization and presentation in crafting confident and expressive writers. Well done on making writing skills as approachable as everyday makeup!
ReplyDeleteAndrea,
ReplyDeleteThis model is an intricately interwoven parch work that each level blends itself into the next.
The six traits of the writing model provide a recipe for successful prose writing. I love how this approach defines the ingredients of effective writing for students to practice and teachers to assess, equipping both parties with tools for strategically analyzing written work. Students are more self-sufficient and methodical writers when they learn to develop the 6 + 1 characteristics in their writing.