Organization

1. Six Trait Writing Organization

2. MPS Comprehensive Literacy Framework

3. COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY FRAMEWORKArea = Writing Context = School Audience = Teachers

4. Components of Effective Writing Ideas Organization Voice Word Choice Sentence Fluency and Variety Conventions Presentation

5. “When you teach me, teach me one thing at a time.”-Albert Einstein

6. Organization in writing is like a wheel where the ideas are the hub and the events, descriptions, and/or facts are the spokes.

7. A Definition of Organization

8. Definition of Organization The structure and arrangement of the piece of writing

9. Teachable elements of the Trait of Organization: □ An inviting introduction draws the reader in □ The author has included thoughtful transitions □ The sequencing is logical and effective □ The pacing is well controlled □ The conclusion gives a sense of closure

10. What does good organization look like? • Beginning that’s a real “hooker” • Transitions that tie the piece together • Events, descriptions, or facts that are united (they belong together) • Effective pacing—not too much or too quick and not too little or too slow • Ending in a clever way that completes the piece with a summary of the writing, or in a way that leaves the reader feeling satisfied

11. Words heard often when speaking of good organization:*clear structure*interesting lead*appropriate transitions*logical sequence*strong conclusion A common vocabulary is key.

12. Some ideas to use literature as an example of organization: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

13. Other works of literature that showcase organization. Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience Schoolby Mark Teague Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendek

14. *Read the introductions of a variety of books out loud, for students to hear. Then ask them to develop a list of qualities that make an introduction “work”. USE quality literature as model texts For example…

15. Read this introduction out loud…ask yourself what the author, Mitch Albom, did to make this lead work. “This is a story about a man named Eddie and it begins at the end, with Eddie dying in the sun. It might seem strange to start a story with an ending. But all endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time.”

16. Now let’s look at some sample student writing.

17. Go to the MPS Portal Public Page • Scroll down to “Programs/Resources” • Now slide over to “Six Traits Resources” • Open the passage marked Lit_passage_From a Dogs Point of View.doc

18. Read the passage aloud. See if you can find descriptors from the ORGANIZATION rubric that fit the writing.

19. Let’s check for understanding GATHER: • Student writing • MPS_Analytic_Writing_Rubric • Work one or two other educators THEN: • Review criteria from scoring guide • Read student writing sample • Discuss and come to consensus on feedback for organization • Be able to articulate why—specifically--you gave a particular feedback NOW WHAT: • Discuss what should come next for your teaching and students’ learning

20. Organization and Conventions *Paragraphing *Formatting *Transitions *These aspects of the trait of conventions are compatible with the trait of organization.

21. Next Steps… • . Activitiestouse

24. To Summarize. . .

25. The Trait of Organization • A great lead to hook the reader • Clear transitions - with a surprise or two • A main point or storyline to which all details connect • Pacing that doesn’t push or shove • A wowof an ending that feels oh-so-right

26. What you can do now…

27. Here’s How You Can Begin • Learn the language of the six traits so you can support your student’s work. • Ask your student to share writing, listen for what is strong, and respond, using the language of the traits. • Read (out loud!) a variety of quality literature selections to your students often and discuss the element(s) of the trait of organization that make the author’s writing strong.

28. Remember:

29. Our Goal: Organization All students know how to hit the target