6 +1 Trait Writing

Using The Three Bears by Paul Galdone as a mentor text, students write a letter to Goldilocks using an appropriate voice. Focuses on writing trait of voice.

This site helps younger writers through the process of writing a biography. It encourages use of the 6-Trait approach.

Using Alphabet City by Stephen T. Johnson and Q is for Duck by Michael Folsom and Mary Elting mentor texts, students take pictures of the alphabet in the environments of their classroom and home. They compile the photos into a book. Focuses on organization.

Using I Was Walking Down The Road by by Sarah E. Barchas and Jack Kent as a mentor text, students work with rhythm, rhyme and alliteration to develop sentence fluency. Students write their own sentences and compile them into a class book.

Using I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff as a mentor text, first-grade students write a persuasive letter to their parents, making a request and giving reasons. Includes graphic organizer for planning, student models. Focus is on word choice.

Using The Squiggle by Carole Lexa Schafer as a mentor text, students plan and write a sentence that develops an idea. Includes student exemplars. Focuses on trait of idea development.

A collection of links to explanations, examples, and lesson ideas.

Scroll down to find definitions and resources for each trait.

An extensive list of mentor texts and writing activities. Each activity addresses 2 of the 6 traits.

Using Cat's Colors by Jane Cabrera as a mentor text, students develop skill with conventions, specifically, with high-frequency words is and for . Students compile their sentences into a class book and also create an individual book.