6 + 1 Writing Traits: Writing Across the Curriculum

1. 6 + 1 Writing Traits: Writing Across the Curriculum Mission: Possible

2. Our mission for today is… • To discuss the importance of writing across the curriculum • To review the 6 + 1 writing traits • To explore examples of implementing writing into the curriculum we teach • To explore MLA formatting

3. Why writing? • Benefits to writing as a way to learn: Since writing is physical, it… 1.Requires psycho-motor coordination 2. Adjusts to the ability of the writer 3. Adjusts to the learning style of the writer

4. Why writing? Since writing is visible, it… 4. Provides the clearest window into one’s own mind “I never know what I know until I read what I wrote.” Flannery O’Connor 5. Imposes a clear focus on thought 6. Promotes a dialogue with the self

5. Why writing? Since writing is personal, it… 7. Provides a catharsis 8. Details the extent of what students understand 9. Details a degree of students’ misunderstanding

6. Ideas and Content • This is the heart of the message. • It is the main theme together with the details that enrich and develop that theme.

7. Organization • This is the internal structure of a piece of writing. • The piece has a beginning, middle, and end.

8. Voice • The voice is the soul of the writing piece. • The reader should feel the enthusiasm of the writer.

9. Word Choice • Word choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader. • What word choice do you suppose coach Belichick is using?

10. Sentence Fluency • Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language. • The sentences should be clear and easy to read.

11. Conventions • Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece: • Spelling • Grammar • Usage • Paragraphing • Punctuation

12. +1 Presentation • Presentation is the form and layout of the text and its readability.

13. Advantages of using 6 + 1 Traits • It gives students and teachers a common language to talk about writing. • It breaks down the complex process of writing into manageable ‘chunks.’

14. Advantages: • It aligns with standards-based instruction: students define quality and know what the expectations are. • It gives teachers a model for responding to writing. • It establishes consistency from year to year and teacher to teacher.

15. Advantages: • It provides a solid foundation for revision and editing. • It gives teachers and students valuable feedback about student performance.

16. Implementation • Many teachers outside of the English field wonder how to incorporate writing into their own subjects. • Let’s take a look at a few examples of what teachers have done:

17. Math Describe the process for adding two numbers with different signs. Are the following expressions equivalent? Explain.  3x + 6 and 3(x+2)

18. Math Describe the pattern in the table using words.

19. Math In the process of solving an equation, a student noticed that only integers remained on each side of the equation. The student concluded that the equation must have no solution. Is the student correct? Explain. Does multiplying by a conversion factor change the amount of what is being measured? How do you know?

20. Science If I went hunting in an abandoned forest and came upon an element, what could I assume about its chemical reactivity? How could I figure out if the element I found was a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?  Be very specific!  (I need to see identifying properties (at least 2) of each metal, nonmetal, and metalloid in your answer!)

21. Art Identify and describe an art movement of the 20th Century. Write about the object you’ve created. Why did you make it? What do you love about it? What are some details about it that make it unique? What are its colors and shape? How do you feel when you look at it?

22. Social Studies Of the following domestic issues and conflicts, which had the most positive impact on the development of the U.S. and why? -Whiskey Rebellion -Judiciary Act of 1789 -Issues between Jefferson and Hamilton -Development of the two party system -Shay’s Rebellion

23. Social Studies Choose one of the following groups of people and write a letter to the President of the United States expressing your displeasure with your lack of rights in the United States. -Women -Wage Earners -Landless Farmers -American Indians -African Americans

24. Social Studies Identify a world landmark and explain why it would be an important place to visit. Walls and other barriers built by countries to establish their borders are some of the oldest and most controversial elements in the cultural landscape. Identify examples of walls or other barriers built by countries in the 20th and 21st centuries.

25. Physical Education Create a game. Write down the rules so a new player would understand the game without watching. Write a lifetime plan for staying physically fit. Your plan should be one that you can and will actually follow.

26. Theology Considering the Old Testament stories we have covered thus far, determine and describe three specific examples of how the original covenant is fulfilled either by God or one of the characters. Answers will be graded on ideas, word choice, and sentence fluency.

27. Theology Explain how being a member of the Body of Christ is an example of the principle of solidarity. Answers should reflect an understanding of both the Body of Christ and solidarity. Answers will be graded on ideas, word choice, and sentence fluency.

28. Industrial Arts Explain the different uses for a table saw. Name and describe two safety precautions to keep in mind while using the machine. Explain the different views necessary for drafting working drawings and the information that is needed on each.

29. Family and Consumer Science Tell how refraining from high-risk behaviors can be important health decisions. Argue that the Atkins diet is or is not a healthy regimen.

30. Music Choose two musicians from the same time period. Compare and contrast their styles using appropriate terminology. Take a moment to reflect on your performance. What did you enjoy most? What did your family and friends enjoy most? What went well? What improvements can you make?

31. Business A recent college graduate has been living at home and working at an entry-level job for three months. He earns $32,000 a year. Now he would like to move into his own apartment. Discuss the issues he needs to consider in making an effective budget. Describe the process to reconcile a checkbook.

32. Foreign Language What would an American going to Germany as a foreign exchange student need to know about German culture in order to fit in? Compose a dialogue between two travelers on an airplane. One traveler is returning to Sioux Falls after a vacation in Mexico. The other traveler is visiting the U.S. for the first time.

33. Working with MLA • Many teachers require students to write papers in various courses. • As a staff, it is helpful for us to be consistent in our expectations of documentation.

34. MLA • The strongest tool we have for documentation is provided by the Online Writing Lab at Purdue. • http://owl.english.purdue.edu/

35. Work Time • Now it’s time for you to talk! • Gather with your department and discuss ways in which you already implement the 6 + 1 writing traits or ways in which you intend to include them moving forward. • Discuss any possible assignments your students complete that may benefit from adhering to MLA guidelines.

36. Work Time • The JH and HS English teachers will move among the groups to answer any questions you might have. • When we regroup, one of your department members will share your findings with the large group.

37. Questions and Resources • What questions do you have? • Feel free to contact Heather or Jason if you have questions. • Visit http://ogteachers.wikispaces.com for materials from today.