Course Outline
6 Traits of Writing Course

Instructor:
Mr. Gerry Chambers, International School Principal and Teacher

About the Course:

The 6 Traits are Voice, Ideas, Organization, Sentence Fluency, Word Choice, and Conventions.

This class will involve some homework on individual papers. Estimated out of class time is about 1-3 hours per week.

Students should bring a laptop computer with wireless access to class. Individual papers must be printed up for inspection and discussion in class.

Course Outline:

1. The class will take a sample piece of work and develop it over an eight week period.

2. Individual students will also work on a personal project that will be presented in class during the last two weeks of the course. Individual topics are flexible and can be selected in corroboration with the course instructor.

Week One - Trait of Voice:

●The personal tone and flavor of the author's message.
●Voice is the most important aspect of writing. Readers will stay glued to your work if your voice expresses the passion and emotions of your thoughts.
●Explanation of Voice; Examples of poor to excellent Voice.
●Role modeling voice.
●Impromptu games and exercises that focus on Voice.
●If time remains, work on personal assignment.

Class Two - Trait of Ideas:

● The heart of the message
● Explanation of Ideas
● Examples of poor to excellent Idea development.
● How to create interesting and appealing Ideas.
● Connecting sub point Ideas.
● Sharing of in class student writing samples.
● If time remains, work on personal assignment.

Class Three - Trait of Organization:

● The internal structure of the piece
● Explanation of Organization.
●The internal structure of the piece
● Explanation of Organization.
● Examples of poor to excellent Organization.
● Steps in structuring your assignment using the 5/5 plan.
● Connecting sub points in a logical, well thought out manner.
●If time remains, work on personal assignment.
● Examples of poor to excellent Organization.
● Steps in structuring your assignment using the 5/5 plan.
● Connecting sub points in a logical, well thought out manner.
● If time remains, work on personal assignment.

Week Four - Trait of Sentence Fluency:

● The rhythm and flow of the language.
● Explanation of Sentence Fluency.
● Examples of poor to excellent Sentence Fluency.
● Basic mistakes in writing and how to correct them.
● If time remains, work on personal assignment.

Week Five- Trait of Word Choice:

● The vocabulary a writer chooses to convey meaning.
● Explanation of Word Choice
● Examples of poor to excellent Word Choice patterns.
● Dictionaries and Thesaurus', a writer's best friend.
● Word choice games and sample paper development.
● If time remains, work on personal assignment.

Week Six- Trait of Conventions:

● The mechanical correctness
● Explanation of Conventions.
● Examples of poor to excellent Conventions.
● Let's face it, grammar can be boring, but learning its secrets can make your paper spicy and alive.
● Make sure your paper sparkles with professionalism.
● If time remains, work on personal assignment.

Week Seven and Eight- Trait of Conventions:

●Assignment presentations.
● Class critique " 6 Traits rubric and grading
●Revisions and polish final paper
●Publish papers to YMCA online Wall of Fame!