I must say that The 6+1 Writing Traits seems to be a remarkable strategy to help students develop their writing. Reflecting on this strategy makes me wish I had it as guides when I was at the primary level. Although every writing trait is of equal importance, the voice among all the traits calls out to me the loudest and therefore caught my attention. I learned that Voice in a piece of writing represents the uniqueness and personal imprint of the writer. I particularly loved the illustrations that our lecturer used to help us understand what Voice in writing really meant. There was no way I would have guessed that one of the main characters in “The Love my Life” turned out to be what it was, as revealed near the end of the piece. The unique way that the author crafted his piece was really amazing. From this illustration, I have learned that Voice has power to compel the reader; just like myself, I was totally captivated by the Voice in this story.
I have also learned that the idea captures the major theme or can be considered as the core of a piece. It is basically the central theme that guides the process. Word choice on the other hand can make the central idea come alive; it is where the readers are reeled-in by the writer’s use of literary devices, as he uses the most appropriate choice of words to convey his message. Contrariwise, the writer may paint a dark, dull, lifeless picture by choosing words that do not capture the interest of the reader. This happens, when his uses poor choice of words.
Sentence fluency is the trait that makes the writing flow well as a bit of rhythm is added; creating a balance between long and short sentences and sensory details to add in some flavour to the writing. I am so excited about sharing these findings with my students. I learned too that Organisation must be maintained: an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Organisation also entails smooth transition from one point to the other.
Writing is not considered complete if the Convensions are not right. Conventions speaks of ensuring that the paragraphs are laid out well and every word is in its correct place. Ultimately, the rules of grammar and spelling are followed, capitalization and punctuation are fine, all I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed. This means that the overall presentation of the piece is fine.
I certainly hope to introduce my students to the The 6+1 Writing Traits to help them develop in all the areas that the 6+1 features. I believe that if students understand how these traits are applicable to their writing they would be able to experience remarkable improvements to their writing.
Here is a link that I have found on a video of certain aspects of the writing process that I felt very interesting and helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCqPPXIrQsI&t=90s
The checklist below might be used by both students and teachers to ensure that student have incorporated all the components of The 6+1 Writing Traits in their piece.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey Ashel. I remember clearly, the story you mentioned, when talking about the trait of Voice. That author really captivated me from beginning to end. The use of personifications and other figurative language in that piece was brilliant. And, that is indeed what a writer's voice should to do,use its own unique style to maintain the interest of the reader throughout the prose.
ReplyDelete