Sample Unit Plans for the Traits

kimskorner4teachertalk.com

SAMPLE UNIT PLANS
FOR EACH TRAIT

Several people have sent emails asking how I organize my writing program. It is loosely based on Writing Workshop. Except for Writing Conventions, I teach one trait at a time. Since Writing Conventions covers so many areas of "traditional" writing, I cover the concepts with mini-lessons along with the focus trait, and then cover it as a trait after the other five. I usually begin with Ideas and Content or Organization, but it is a misconception that you have to teach the traits in the order they are listed. It does make sense to begin with Ideas and Content or Organization because you have to at least have something to work with before you can work on the other traits.

For each sample unit plan, the days are approximate and for sample purposes only; you may move through the items quicker or slower than listed. It also depends on how long your classes are. I am basing the sample on a 45 minute class period. The sample also does not mix in Writing Conventions mini-lessons, so the entire unit will actually take longer than shown.

The curriculum for my class, communications, is varied. We cover reading, literature, writing, and speaking. Therefore, I try to alternate units on the traits with other units, such as literature or speeches. The Six Trait Model is the basis for our state assessment in writing, so I try to have all traits covered before the third week of January. This gives me approximately 17 weeks to cover all the traits. We continue to use the traits throughout the rest of the year.

PREPARATION REQUIRED BEFORE BEGINNING ANY UNITS:

	Create Six Trait Manipulatives for the students.
	Create Six Trait Handbooks for students. My student handbook contains quite a bit of material. Develop yours based on your students' needs.
	Create unit notebooks for each trait.
	Choose a few picture books that illustrate each trait. Make notes for yourself telling why each book is a good example of the trait.
	Compile cartoons that illustrate each trait. Enlarge the cartoons and copy them onto transparencies.
	Create trait descriptor posters for each trait.
	Create quotes posters or handouts for each trait.
	Pass out a handbook to each student. Depending on your copy budget, you can make them non-consumable handbooks to be kept in the classroom or consumable handbooks that the students may write in and save for the next year.
	Give a brief overview of the six traits. Explain that is not a new way to write, just a new way to discuss and learn about writing.

SAMPLE UNIT PLANS:

Ideas and Content	Organization	Word Choice
Voice	Sentence Fluency	Writing Conventions

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This site last updated 14 November 2007.

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