Parents'+Handbook+for+Writing

This handbook has been created to help parents understand the Six-Traits of Writing and how they are used to assist students in the writing process. This information has been compiled by Cindy Daly, Curriculum Specialist, Paradise Valley Unified School District, (May 2002). Dear Parents/Guardians, Writing is an integral part of your child’s education. The process begins before kindergarten and continues through life. Understanding how to communicate in writing is an essential component of the Arizona Academic Standards. Teachers in the Paradise Valley Unified School District utilize a variety of writing programs and models to teach the process of writing. They have been trained in the content and use of the scoring rubric, The Six Trait + 1 Writing Model. This booklet contains information to help you support your student writers at home as we work with them at school. The traits are not new. They provide a language for describing the qualities that most readers and writers think are important in good writing. Students are involved in a variety of writing experiences throughout their K-12 education. The following list explains most of these forms of writing:
 * Parent Handbook for the Six Traits of Writing **
 * __ Narrative writing __** : tells a personal experience or story and always includes characters, setting, and plot (examples: short stories, journals)
 * __ Descriptive writing __** : creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind and uses precise details to paint “word pictures” for the reader (example: menu, travel brochure, poster)
 * __ Expository writing __** : informs, explains, clarifies, or defines (examples: research paper, essay, report)
 * __ Persuasive writing __** : informs and attempts to convince the reader to take the same stand (examples: movie review, restaurant critique, letter to the editor, editorial)
 * __ Technical writing __** : uses research to present specialized information, but just because it is technical does not mean it has to be flat and dull (examples: a VCR manual, driver’s manual, a legal document, a cookbook)


 * __ Business writing __** : provides information in a way that is clear, well-organized, efficient, and usually answers a question, summarizes work completed or proposes new strategies (examples: memo, proposal, long range plan, business letter)

**__ Writing is a process __ Prewriting Stage ** Think, List, Observe, Experience, Brainstorm, Research (Gather Evidence and Information), Select topic, Collect Vocabulary **__Primary__** – Experience, Explore, and Draw a picture

Drafting Stage
Take notes, Focus on content, Double space, Discuss, Seek assistance
 * __Primary__** – Drawing, Verbally composing, Writing

Editing Stage
Revise, Rethink, Rewrite, Read aloud, Seek response from others, Focus on content, Check for meaning, Check for adherence to six traits, Make changes (additions, deletions), Focus on mechanical correctness
 * __ Primary __** – Name on paper, Title on paper, Spaces between words, Left-out words

Final Draft – Publishing – Presenting Stage
Check for proper format (newspaper, letter, essay, etc.), Share product with appropriate audience, Polish and recopy, Focus on format and appearance, Seek feedback and reflection · Coach – don’t write – for your child. Question, listen, and talk about writing together. Students need to do their own drafting, revising, and editing with you at the sidelines. · Look first for what is done well in the writing and offer praise. Writing is a challenging task. Children need encouragement to be successful. · When working with your child, focus on ideas and content first. Save editing until the ideas are clear, complete, and focused. · Listen attentively as your child reads writing to you. · Encourage even the youngest writers to “read” their writing aloud whether it is scribbles, drawings, or strings of letters. Talk about the story. · Read aloud to your children – no matter the age. Discuss good examples of writing from newspapers, magazines, poetry, descriptions from travel brochures, and instructions on toys, games. Read from fiction and non-fiction. · Let your child SEE you write. · Share your own writing with your children. Ask for their feedback on your effort. · Turn off the TV. · Visit the library. · Read, read, read! Better readers make better writers! The following websites offer detailed descriptions of the rubrics and sample papers with scores. Websites: [|www.ade.state.az.us/standards/6traits] [|www.nwrel.org/assessment/]
 * __Primary__** – Punctuation, Capital letters, Spelling
 * __ Tips for Parents to Encourage Student Writing __**

**__ Benefits in Using the 6-Trait Model __** 1. It gives teachers and students a common language to talk about writing.  2. It breaks down the complex process of writing into manageable “chunks.”  3. It aligns with standards-based instruction: students define quality and know what the expectations are. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> 4.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> It gives teachers a model for responding to student writing. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> 5.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> It establishes consistency from year to year and teacher to teacher. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> 6.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> It provides a solid foundation for revision and editing. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> 7.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> It encourages writers to become more independent; it empowers them to evaluate and assess their own writing. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> 8.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> It gives teachers and students valuable feedback about student performance. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> 9.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> It challenges students to think of writing in new ways. 10.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> It provides opportunities to monitor progress over time.