6 traits of writing examples

Parent Handbook for the Six Traits of WritingThis handbook has been created to help parents understand the Six-Traits of Writing and how they are used to assist students in the writing process.Students are involved in a variety of writing experiences throughout their K-12 education. The following list explains most of these forms of writing:Narrative writing: tells a personal experience or story and always includes characters, setting, and plot (examples: short stories, journals)Descriptive writing: creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind and uses precise details to paint “word pictures” for the reader (example: menu, travel brochure, poster)Expository writing: informs, explains, clarifies, or defines (examples: research paper, essay, report)Persuasive writing: informs and attempts to convince the reader to take the same stand (examples: movie review, restaurant critique, letter to the editor, editorial)Technical writing: uses research to present specialized information, but just because it is technical does not mean it has to be flat and dull (examples: a VCR manual, driver’s manual, a legal document, a cookbook)Writing is a processGeneratingPlanningDraftingEditingPublishingSteps to Creating a Quality Writing Piece
Tips for Parents to Encourage Student WritingCoach – don’t write – for your child. Question, listen, and talk about writing together. Students need to do their own drafting, revising, and editing with you at the sidelines.Look first for what is done well in the writing and offer praise. Writing is a challenging task. Children need encouragement to be successful.When working with your child, focus on ideas and content first. Save editing until the ideas are clear, complete, and focused.Listen attentively as your child reads writing to you.Read aloud to your children – no matter the age. Discuss good examples of writing from newspapers, magazines, poetry, descriptions from travel brochures, and instructions on toys, games. Read from fiction and non-fiction.Let your child SEE you write.Share your own writing with your children. Ask for their feedback on your effort.Turn off the TV.Visit the library.Read, read, read! Better readers make better writers!Benefits in Using the 6-Trait Model1.It gives teachers and students a common language to talk about writing.2.It breaks down the complex process of writing into manageable “chunks.”3.It aligns with standards-based instruction: students define quality and know what the expectations are.4.It gives teachers a model for responding to student writing.5.It establishes consistency from year to year and teacher to teacher.6.It provides a solid foundation for revision and editing.7.It encourages writers to become more independent; it empowers them to evaluate and assess their own writing.8.It gives teachers and students valuable feedback about student performance.9.It challenges students to think of writing in new ways.10.It provides opportunities to monitor progress over time.