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VIEW: Home \| Glossary of Terms \| Principal Strategy Books 08-09 \| The Literacy Block \| Reading Strategies \| 6+1 Traits of Writing \| Wall of Words-3rd \| Wall of Words-2nd \| Wall of Words-1st \| Wall of Words-K \| What does a scientist do? \| Scientists use tools. \| Sticking to Magnets \| Asset Map Goals \| CALENDAR1 \| FAQ \| TABLE5 \| What is Cornerstone? \| Links for Kids \| Links for Parents \| Links for Teachers \| Teacher

Visit the TeacherWeb® videos to learn about the features, modifications, and customizations available on your website. Click here to learn more. 6+1 Traits of Writing You are currently using the Homework With Text Formatting page type. This is an old page type with limited formatting options. We would recommend switching to the Enhanced Text page, a more advanced page type with many more options. Click here for more information on the different page types. Please note: You may continue to use this page type if you desire. <P align=center><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><U></U></FONT> </P> <P align=center><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><EM>Human beings have a great need to represent their experience through writing. We need to make our truths beautiful. </EM>Lucy McCormick Calkins</FONT></P> <P align=center><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><U>6+1 Traits of Writing</U></FONT></P> <P align=center><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>As a part of our Writers' Workshop at Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy, we are using the 6+1 Traits of Writing model. The 6 +1 Trait writing framework is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as create a common vision of what "good" writing looks like. Teachers and students can use the 6 +1 Trait model to pinpoint areas of strength and weakness as they continue to focus on improving writing. </FONT></P> <P align=center><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>In our Cornerstone Book Room, we have several publications that might be worth looking at that cover the 6 Traits Writing model. Also, the <EM>Teacher Links</EM> section of our web page has links to sites that have lots of information about the 6 Traits. Check them out. </FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><STRONG><U>What are the advantages to using 6+1 Traits?</U></STRONG></FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>1. It gives teachers and students a common language to talk about writing.</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>2. It breaks down the complex process of writing into manageable "chunks."</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>3. It aligns with standards-based instruction: students define quality and know what the expectations are.</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>4. It gives teachers a model for responding to student writing.</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>5. It establishes consistency from year to year and teacher to teacher.</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>6. It provides a solid foundation for revision and editing.</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>7. It encourages writers to become more independent; it empowers them to evaluate and assess their own writing.</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>8. It gives teachers and students valuable feedback about student performance.</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>9. It challenges students to think of writing in new ways.</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>10. It provides opportunities to monitor progress over time.</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><STRONG><U>IDEAS. . .</U></STRONG></FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>are the meaning and development of the message.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>are the result of the writer thinking aloud on paper.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>are the content of the writing.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>are clear and focused.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>move from general to the specific.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>are supported by juicy details.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>make the writing make sense.</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>What to Look (and Listen) For . . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Complexity (lines, colors)</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Attention to detail</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Noticing little things others might not notice</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Clarity, focus, sense of purpose</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>A message or story, complete or not</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>To reinforce IDEAS, You could say . . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I know just what you mean!</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>You're really using writing to communicate.</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I can really picture what you are telling me.</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>No one else thought to write about Venus fly traps-how did you come up with such an original idea?</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I loved your topic/idea! It made me think of . . .</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>You really notice things-look at these details!</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>What is the most important thing this author had to tell us?</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>What do you picture in your mind when you listen to this writing?</FONT> </LI></UL> <P><STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>A writer should do the following:</FONT></STRONG></P> <UL> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Narrow the topic to something specific</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use fresh and original ideas</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Write from experience</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Show insight in the writing</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Make the main idea stand out</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use supporting details</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Stay in control of the topic</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Develop the topic in an entertaining way</FONT></LI></UL> <P><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><U>Picture Books to Strenghten Ideas</U> (Books we have at Downtown, in Media Center or in the Cornerstone Book Room)</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><EM>Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, All the Places to Love, The Perfect Pet, Who is the Beast?, Miss Rumphius, The Paper Crane, Oliver, Grandfather Tang, A Chair for my Mother, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, The Wolf's Chicken Stew, Julius Baby of the World, Lilly and the Purple Purse, Hey, Al, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Owen, The Relatives Came, Chrysanthemum, Where the Wild Things Are, Leo the Late Bloomer, No, David!, The Mitten, Owl Moon, The Polar Express, The Snowy Day, Goodnight Moon, The Grouchy Ladybug, Love You Forever, Make Way for Ducklings, The Napping House, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Millions of Cats, Miss Nelson is Back, Thank You, Mr. Falker, Pete's a Pizza, Doctor DeSoto, Roxaboxen, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, Frog and Toad Are Friends </EM></FONT></P> <P><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><U><STRONG>ORGANIZATION</STRONG>. . .</U></FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is the internal structure of writing-like the framework of a building or the skeleton of an animal.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>holds things together and gives the whole piece form and shape.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>helps the reader understand a writer's message or follow a story with ease.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>focuses on one key idea (in informational writing) or one main plot (in a story).</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>fills the text with little clues that tie ideas together and builds bridges or transitions from one idea or event to the next.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>builds a sense of anticipation from the beginning and wraps up things in a satisfying way at the end.</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>What to Look (and Listen) For . . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Pictures and/or text balanced on the page</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Coordination between text and picture (they go together)</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Multiple pictures show texture</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Grouping of details and ideas</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Text that shows sequence: <EM>First. . .then. . .after. . .next. . .later. . .last</EM></FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Text that shows connections: <EM>because. . .so. . .when. . .however</EM></FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Sense of beginning: <EM>One day. . .Last week. . .When I was little</EM></FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Sense of ending: <EM>So finally. . .That's all. . .At last. . .The end</EM></FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Cause and effect structure in text (or picture series)</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Problem-solving structure in text (or picture series)</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Chronological structure in text (or picture series)</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Surprises that work</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Sticking with one main topic or idea</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>To reinforce ORGANIZATION, You could say. . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I can see how these ideas/pictures go together.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>You knew just how to begin (or end).</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>This happened because this happened-that's a good way to organize ideas.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>You organized your story by time . . . <EM>first</EM> this, <EM>then </EM>this.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I wanted to know what happened next.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>What a surprise ending!</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>You solved a problem-that's a good way to organize ideas.</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P><STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>A writer should do the following:</FONT></STRONG></P> <UL> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use an inviting lead that "hooks" the reader</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Place supporting details so that they fit</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use logical and effective structure, order, and sequence</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Give information at just the right moment</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use smooth transitions to help the ideas flow together</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use a conclusion that ties everything together</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use a conclusion that gives the reader a sense of resolution</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use organization that enhances the central idea</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Uses organization that is graceful</FONT></LI></UL><!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist--> <P align=left><FONT size=2><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><U>Picture Books to Strenghten Organization</U> (Books we have at Downtown, in Media Center or in the Cornerstone Book Room)</FONT></FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><EM>The Mitten, The Wednesday Surprise, The Great Kapok Tree, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Two Bad Ants, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, A Chair for my Mother, The Napping House, The Legend of the Blue Bonnet, The Milk Makers, Amos and Boris, Pink and Say, Tops and Bottoms, Tough Boris, The Little House, Alphabet Under Construction, I am the Dog, I am the Cat, Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon, Hog Eye, Meanwhile Back at the Ranch, The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman, Tuesday, It Could Always Be Worse, June 29, 1999, Holes</EM></FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><STRONG><U>VOICE. . . </U></STRONG></FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is the writer coming through the writing. </FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is the heart and soul of the writing.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is unique to each writer. </FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>imparts a personal flavor to the writing.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is that individual something-different from the mark of other writers.</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left> <FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>What to Look (and Listen) For . . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Individuality</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Sparkle</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Personality</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Liveliness, playfulness</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Emotion</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>The unusual</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Taking the chance by trying something new or different</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Recognizing that the writing/drawing is for both self and audience</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Tailoring communication to an audience</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Response to VOICE in the writing/art of others</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>To reinforce VOICE, You could say. . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Your feelings come through loud and clear here.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I could tell this was you.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>This picture/story made me laugh/cry/feel what you must have felt.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>You seem to writing to/for (specify your best guess on audience). Is that right?</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I love the way you help your reader see and feel the things you are seeing and feelikng when you write. There's a word for that-VOICE.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Your writing rings with voice. It made me want to keep reading!</FONT> </DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>A writer should do the following:</FONT></STRONG></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Write honestly and from the heart</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Share his/her feeling about the topic</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Speak directly to the reader (without using YOU)</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use language that bring the topic to life for the reader</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Care about what he/she has written</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Write to be read</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use more expression than what is in an encyclopedia article</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Give the reader a sense of the person behind the words</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Connect with the reader</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT size=2><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><U>Picture Books to Strenghten Voice</U> (Books we have at Downtown, in Media Center or in the Cornerstone Book Room)</FONT></FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><EM>The Wednesday Surprise, Miss Rumphius, Diary of a Worm, Loop the Loop, I am the Dog/I am the Cat, Chrysanthemum, Julius, Baby of the World, Amazing Grace, I Wish I Were a Butterfly, The Paper Bag Princess, The Big Orange Splot, Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair, Mrs. Katz and Tush, Thank You, Mr. Falker, Tar Beach, When I Was Young and in the Mountains, The Frog Prince Continued, Math Curse, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Stinky Cheeseman and other Fairly Stupid Tales, David Goes to School, Amos and Boris, Brave Irene, Caleb and Kate, Two Bad Ants, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, The Wall, Freedom Summer, The Twits, The Velveteen Rabbit, Sadako, The Egyptian Cinderella, Yeh-Shen, A Cinderella Story From China, The Rough-Face Girl, Teammates, The Story of Ruby Bridges, This Land is my Land, Bull Run, Harris and Me, On my Honor, No, David, Piggie Pie, Predator, Sleeping Ugly, The Three Little Wolves and the Big, Bad Pig</EM></FONT></P> <P align=left><STRONG><EM><U><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>WORD CHOICE. . .</FONT></U></EM></STRONG></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicatses in a way that moves and enlightens the reader.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>paints a picture in the reader's mind.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>clarifies, explains, or expands ideas in informational writing.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>compels the reader to see things more clearly or to agree with the writer in persuasive writing.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is the ability to use everyday language naturally and in a fresh or unexpected way.</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>What to Look (and Listen) For . . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Playing with letter forms, letters, letter strings, first words, labels, etc.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Stretching to use new words</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Curiosity about words</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Verbs, verbs, verbs (energy words)</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Precise words</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Unusual use of words or phrases (in speaking or writing or labeling)</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Striking words or phrases</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Imitation of words or phrases heard in literature (or any reading you share in class)</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>To reinforce WORD CHOICE, You could say. . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I see you're making a connection between letters and words.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>This word/phrase goes well with this picture.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I love this word-how did you think of it?</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>What do you think the word ____ means? Make a guess.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>When you said (streaked), I could really picture the whole thing.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I love this word (flourishing). How did you think of it?</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>____ was just the right word to describe/explain ____.</FONT> </DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>A writer should do the following:</FONT></STRONG></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use words that create a mental picture for the reader</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use powerful action verbs</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use adjectives that are as descriptive as possible</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use specific, not general, nouns</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use language that is natural and not overdone</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use slang, and cliches sparingly</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Be concise</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use words correctly</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Avoid repetition</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT size=2><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <FONT size=2><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><U>Picture Books to Strenghten Word Choice</U> (Books we have at Downtown, in Media Center or in the Cornerstone Book Room)</FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></P> <P align=left><EM>The Lotus Seed, Lily's Purple Plastic Purse, Piggie Pie!, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, Where the Wild Things Are, Brave Irene, Caleb and Kate, Owl Moon, Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia, The Magic Fan, Some Smug Slug, Possum Magic, Armadillo Tattletale, The Giant Jam Sandwich, Dog Breath, Epossumondas, Solomon: The Rusty Nail, Many Luscious Lollipops, Up, Up and Away! A Book About Adverbs, Chrysanthemum, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type, Koala Lou, The Old Woman Who Named Things, Pink and Say, Tabitha's Terrifically Tough Tooth</EM></P> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><STRONG><U>SENTENCE FLUENCY. . .</U></STRONG></FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is how it sounds when read aloud.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>has cadence, power, rhythm, and movement.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>is free of awkward word patterns that slow a reader down.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>has sentences that vary in length and style.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>has sentences that are so well crafted that reading aloud is a pleasure.</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>What to Look (and Listen) For . . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Experimenting with word strings to form sentences</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Rudimentary sentences-subject and verb</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use of more complex sentences</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Multiple sentences for different beginnings, varied lengths</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Rhythm, cadence in oral or written language</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Long and short sentences</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Love of rhythmic language (e.g., poetry)</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>To reinforce SENTENCE FLUENCY, You could say. . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I read this aloud and I loved the sound of it!</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>You seem to know what a sentence is-good for you!</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>You have a long sentene, then a short one-I like that.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Your sentences begin in different ways-that's great.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I liked this phrase-<EM>After a while</EM>-it helps me understand when things happened.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Here's one of my favorite pieces (choose one to read aloud). I think it has rhythm. See if you hear it, too.</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>The picture makes me think of the word (. . .?).</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2></FONT> <STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>A writer should do the following:</FONT></STRONG></P> <UL> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Give the writing an easy flow and rhythm</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Invite expressive oral reading of the text</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use complete sentences-any fragments must add to the meaning of the text</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use different sentence lengths</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use different sentence beginnings</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use different sentence structures</FONT></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV align=left><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use writing that sounds natural</FONT></DIV></LI></UL> <P align=left> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD vAlign=baseline width=42></TD> <TD vAlign=top width="100%"> <P><!--mstheme--><FONT size=2><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <FONT size=2><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><U>Picture Books to Strenghten Sentence Fluency</U> (Books we have at Downtown, in Media Center or in the Cornerstone Book Room)</FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></P> <P><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><EM>Old Black Fly, The Important Book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, John Henry, Catwings, Dogteam, White Socks Only, I Ain't Gonna Paint No More, All the Places to Love, Owl Moon, Time for Bed, Flower Garden, I Love You as Much, If I Were in Charge of the World, Possum Come a -Knockin', A Visit to William Blakes Inn</EM></FONT></P> <P><STRONG><U><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>CONVENTIONS. . .</FONT></U></STRONG></P> <UL> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>are the mechanical correctness of the piece-spelling, grammar and usage, paragraphing (indenting at the appropriate spots), use of capitals, and punctuation.</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>make the text penetrable and easier to follow.</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>are anything a copyeditor would deal with in getting text ready for publication.</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>are strong when writing has been proofread and edited with care.</FONT></LI></UL> <P><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>What to Look (and Listen) For . . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Left to right orientation on the page</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Up and down orienation on the page</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Letters facing appropriate directions</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Distinction between upper- and lower-case letters</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Spaces between words</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Spaces between lines</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Name on the page</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use of title</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use of labels</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use of identation to show a new paragraph</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Dots over i's</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Exploration with punctuation, whether conventionally placed or not</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Rudimentary spelling, showing a connection of sounds to words</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Readable spelling (can be interpreted without the writer's help)</FONT></LI></UL> <P><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>To reinforce CONVENTIONS, You could say. . .</FONT></P> <UL> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>You remembered to write your name at the top-thanks!</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I love it when you put a title on your paper-it gives me a good clue about your message/story.</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>You remembered to put spaces between your words-boy, that helps!</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I could sound out most of these words. I read it without any help.</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>How did you know to put a comma/period/question mark/captial here?</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I notice you start on this side (left) and write this way (right); you're really paying attention to how books are written.</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>I see you've discovered ellipses [or whatever is new]. Great! When you see that mark, what does it mean to you?</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>When you work to make your spelling readable, it really helps your reader a lot. Super!</FONT></LI></UL> <P> <STRONG><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>A writer should do the following:</FONT></STRONG></P> <UL> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Reinforce the organization with good paragraphing</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use grammar that contributes to clarity and style</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Guide the reader through the paper with correct punctuation</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use correct spelling, even on difficult words</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Use capitalization correctly</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Enhance the readability of the paper with conventions</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Provide a long enough piece of writing to show a wide range of skills</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Proofread and edit the paper</FONT></LI> <LI><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Make sure any errors are intentional for stylistic effect</FONT></LI></UL> <P><FONT size=2><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><U>Picture Books to Strenghten Conventions</U> (Books we have at Downtown, in Media Center or in the Cornerstone Book Room)</FONT></FONT></P> <P><EM><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Punctuation Takes a Vacation, Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster, Add It, Dip It, Fix It: A Book of Verbs, Guppies in Tuxedos: Funny Eponyms</FONT></EM></P> <P> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD vAlign=baseline width=42></TD> <TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme--><FONT face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica"><!--mstheme--></FONT><!--msthemelist--></TD></TR><!--msthemelist--> <TR> <TD vAlign=baseline width=42></TD> <TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme--><FONT face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica"><!--mstheme--></FONT><!--msthemelist--></TD></TR><!--msthemelist--> <TR> <TD vAlign=baseline width=42></TD> <TD vAlign=top width="100%"><!--mstheme--><FONT face="Verdana, Arial, 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