6+1 Traits of Writing

Why has the 6+1 TRAIT model had such a tremendous impact on writing instruction? Because it works. It allows teachers to pinpoint students’ strengths and weaknesses in ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation, and focus instruction. Now Culham turns her expert eye to our youngest students. Like her groundbreaking guide for grades 3 and up, her new book contains scoring guides, sample papers, and focus lessons for each trait, but framed to address K–2 teachers’ needs! For use with Grades K-2.

About the Author

Ruth Culham, Ed.D., is President of The Culham Writing Company and former Assessment Program Unit Manager at Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory in Portland, Oregon. As a pioneering researcher of the 6+1 TRAIT model, she conducts workshops, organizes national and international institutes, and writes extensively on writing assessment and instruction. Prior to joining NWREL, Ruth was English Teacher of the Year in Montana, a highlight of her 19-year teaching career. She is the author of 6+1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide, Grades 3 and Up, as well as many other trait-related teacher resources.