Our website, Six Trait Gurus, is dedicated to providing you with the most up to date information on trait-based writing instruction and assessment. Look for new products, reviews of terrific books (From the Bookshelf), and answers to questions teachers often ask. Turn your stude
nts into writing experts by letting us be your online resource for—
- Teaching traits effectively
- Using rubrics wisely—or writing your own
- Linking reading and writing
- Teaching traits in the context of writing process—and writing workshop
- Preparing students for on-demand assessment
- Keeping writing instruction authentic
- Finding practical products that work in the classroom
Through six-trait instruction, your students can take ownership of their writing process—and knock your socks off with their revision skill.
Six Trait Gurus 
As a special education teacher myself I gravitated towards this article. I like how interactive the lessons are for the students. I think they would get more out of this than simply practicing what an outline is. Cheers!
I love your philosophy and hope many, many teachers find this site. The subject of showing/teaching kids the joy of writing is very near and dear to my heart. I have written professionally for international corporations and small companies for many years. I am also a children’s author. I give full credit to my passion for writing to my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Armstrong. Not only did she inspire me, she believed in me. If not for her, I’m not sure who I would be today.
Now I’m doing my part to encourage and motivate young writers online. I would love it if you’d visit allwritewithme.com and tell me what you think.
I applaud your efforts here and wish you many followers and fans!
Hi, Diane–Thank you so much for your kind words and for visiting our site! We hope you’ll pass the word along to other teachers, too. And yes, we will definitely visit you at allwritewithme.com–love that name!
I have enjoyed reading through articles on the site. I do want to let you know that the Steve Jenkins link does not go to the correct Steven Jenkins; at least it didn’t when I tried it several times. I did find his site, but I had to conduct a search for it.
Also, I have to note that in one of the paragraphs about conventions, you write something about sharing what the “pro’s” do in writing. Wouldn’t that be what the “pros” do? (Simply plural, not possessive.)
Thanks so much for the ideas and information. I especially like the “genre a day” idea.
Hi, Kim! Thanks for visiting our site, and for your kind comments. You are right–Steve Jenkins is easiest to find on stevejenkinsbooks.com Thanks for drawing our attention to this. The name “Steve Jenkins” is more popular than we’d first realized:) Also, you are right about pros. “Pro’s” is possessive, not plural. It is sometimes argued that “pro’s” is a contraction for “professionals,” but . . . I don’t think we’ll buy into that argument. Pros like us appreciate site visitors with a keen eye and ear!! We will also mention the new, corrected link to Steve Jenkins in an upcoming post. Again, our thanks. We hope you’ll visit often!
Thanks, Jeff and Vicki, for the great article on the trait of Ideas in CCSS! I love the idea of revisiting old favorites! Both of the titles that you shared are exceptional examples of the trait of ideas at its best. The list of expanded details were fabulous. You always nudge my thinking about the traits are inspirational. I miss the chance to work along side of both of you! I’m heading off to do a workshop and will share your list and a nod of credit.
Happy writing, Kathy Hawkins
Hey, Kathy! Always so good to hear from you! Thanks for your terrific support and for passing on the word about Gurus. We SO appreciate it. Esp-ecially good to know you found our list of the forms details can take useful. We also miss working with you and your extraordinary ability to combine writing with art. Be well–Vicki & Jeff
Happy to find and follow your blog. I’m a retired teacher and children’s book author. http://www.4writersandreaders.com
Hey, Bette–Thanks for joining our list of followers. We’re delighted to have you, and hope you come often! A new post will pop up in just a couple days! With all good wishes–Vicki and Jeff
I commented on your wonderful article on info text, and I want to add a thank you for this informative site. How I appreciate you both for delving into our new standards and helping us understand how to implement them. I find a great deal to be hopeful about in CCSS. I want to do a good job; you are helping me. Thanks!
Thank you so much, Judy! We are always so happy to hear from you and so glad to know our site is helping with standards and other writing issues. We plan to keep on keeping on! Our best wishes to you and your students!! Vicki and Jeff
I have enjoyed reading this blog, but was I went to point others I work with to this site, I had a hard time figuring out who was writing the posts. I did finally find some responses made by Vicki Spandel that let me know this site was legit! Might it be possible to make it more evident who is creating this site? As I point my pre-service teachers here and try to get them to evaluate the sites they visit, it’s important for them to know that this is a site they can and should trust! Thanks!
Jeff and I are so happy you enjoy the site! I confess we thought the authorship was clear–but your message reminds us that many readers are new and may not realize who is writing. Thanks for this suggestion. We’ll be sure to make ourselves known! Meantime, please do keep coming and recommending our blog to others. We appreciate your support so much. Vicki Spandel and Jeff Hicks