Writing a story is a lot like working a puzzle. We have to get the pieces to fit just right. What takes shape is a masterpiece. Well, maybe not at first. In December, you learned how to Summon the Primary Teacher in Yourself, and started with the basics for Shaping Your Story, Part One. Today we are going to add a few more pieces to the puzzle and Summon the Elementary Teacher.
Look! Here she is now. Quit passing notes and listen up before she catches you! Your own inner teacher–the one who comes by in quiet times of writing deliberation–will be addressing you soon, so you’ll want to remember the Six Traits of Writing:

It seems like a lot all at once, but it is easier to analyze when you break it down trait by trait. Take a look at your current manuscript and assess where you are now. Make an effort in each area, take critique feedback into consideration if you are at that point, and make some revisions.
It is important to constantly assess your writing as you revise. Why not check to see where you fall on the Six Traits Scale? This will help you target where you need the most growth. You should have a clean row of circles across the All Star row before submission.

Teacher-student conferencing always follows when I use this rubric, or scoring outline. Sometimes I take myself completely out of the equation and let peer assessment and conferencing take over. (Sounds like a critique group, right?)
Go ahead… try the Six Traits yourself! You might be surprised at what you inner teacher tells you. Spread the Six Trait Scale through your critique group and let them test it out, too. Give it to your kids or a group of neighbor kids and let them use it to assess your work-in-progress. Then take a look at the results, roll up your sleeves, and dedicate yourself to the Six Traits. Oh, and don’t argue with your inner teacher or you may end up in detention.
Join me in February for Part Three: Summon Your Middle School Teacher. Leave me a comment below to let me know how your inner teacher is treating you.
I can’t wait to try this in critique and with my own writing to see how it measures up. Thanks! I got the recommended books on hold at the library already.
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I really like this rubric, Carrie. I remember having to grade my kdg and 1st graders using 6 traits.
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I hope it works well in your writing, too, Tina! I used to use a similar version with my third graders. When they could see this rubric themselves, they knew right where to target their revisions. 🙂
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I love the second chart! I’ll be keep this one for my files. Oh, and my inner teacher is telling me I’m using my time wisely here at Writers’ Rumpus. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Carrie.
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Yes you are, oh wise one! 🙂
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Thanks Carrie for the post. The wonderful world of writing is full of people like you willing to share. Beryl
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Thank, Beryl! Glad to help!
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Carrie, this is a fantastic reminder for when I write my own stories and when I critique. I’ll definitely start thinking about these 6 traits now!
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Thanks, Kirsti! It will be great for homeschooling, too! 🙂
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