Received: from [209.75.187.203] (HELO ) by MDCCLXXVI.com (Stalker SMTP Server 1.8b6) with SMTP id S.0000276864 for <6Tarchive@CyberSpaces.net>; Wed, 04 Aug 1999 23:09:29 -0700 Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 23:10:01 -0700 Subject: 6Traits Digest #45 - 08/04/99 From: "SixTraitsMailring" <6Traits@> To: "SixTraitsMailring" <6Traits@> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable Sender: <6Traits@> Precedence: Bulk List-Software: LetterRip Pro 3.0.5 by Fog City Software, Inc. List-Subscribe: List-Digest: List-Unsubscribe: Message-Id: 6Traits Digest #45 - Wednesday, August 4, 1999 Re: 6Traits Digest #44 - 08/03/99 by "D. Weissman" Re: 6Traits- where are youall? by "Kathy Renfrew" Re: Totally unrelated item by Re: 6Traits- Re: Totally unrelated item by re: another unrelated item by Gary Larson by "Barbara D. Martin" ****6Traits- Organization #1 - 7/5/99**** by "Susan Nixon" <susan@desertskyone.com> ****6Traits- Organization #2 - 8/5/99 - Assignment #1**** by "Susan Nixon" <susan@desertskyone.com> Re: 6Traits- Gary Larson by "Susan Nixon" <susan@desertskyone.com> ****6Traits - Organization #3 - 8/5/99 - Assignment #2**** by "Susan Nixon" <susan@desertskyone.com> RE: Organization rubric by Re: Organization rubric II by Re: 6Traits- where are youall? by 2 more Writers' quotes by "Susan & John Osvald" Assignment: Example of Organization by "Valerie Dehombreux" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: 6Traits Digest #44 - 08/03/99 From: "D. Weissman" Date: Wed, 04 Aug 1999 08:09:58 -0400 Organization rubric: Level 1 lacks coherence, disjointed no beginning, middle, end reader is confused Level 2 some attempt at sequencing missing or underdeveloped beginning, middle and/or end an attempt at organization, but it's confusing reader has trouble Separators: Some attempt made at sequencing, organization Level 3 attempt at organization made sequencing attempted by unclear has a beginning and end some transitions work details inappropriately placed Separators: has beginning and end, some functioning transitions, inconsistent structure Level 4 clear coherent organization clear sequencing predictable organization easy to follow body transitions that work Separators: organization helps reader, clear sequencing and organization, functioning transitions Level 5 organization enhances main ideas effective sequencing good lead smooth effective transitions Separators: organization enhances ideas, inviting lead, smooth, effective transitions Level 6 effective and creative sequencing compellling structure good closure Separators: creative sequencing, compelling structure, good closure Deb Weissman Gr 6 Jaffrey, NH ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: 6Traits- where are youall? From: renfpea@pop.k12.vt.us (Kathy Renfrew) Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 08:29:51 -0400 I have been around, reading everything but so involved in other things = that I have not participated to the fullest. I am going to try to be better thanks Kathy Renfrew Peacham Elementary School Grade 5/6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: Totally unrelated item From: AnnMath@aol.com Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 10:50:06 EDT Hi, I live just 5 miles from Burkittsville, MD, which is the site of the = "Blair Witch" movie. The entire story is a fabrication. "Blair" comes from the = name of a local high school where one of the directors attended school. Burkittsville is seeped in local civil war lore, as it is located just = across South Mountain from the Antietam Battlefield. Many civil war items = (bullets, buttons) are found in and around the surrounding farm fields. There are = many local "ghost stories"; however, the only one associated with Burkittsville = is one about a place in the road going up the mountain which, if you stop = your car, will roll the car uphill, contrary to logic. It has something to do with some artillery wagon during the war. Other than that, the people of = B. are as uninformed as you are (those who asked) about the "witch". The web = sites are sensationalism. Someone mentioned a special on the SciFi = network. Notice the "fi" stands for Fiction :-). You're witnessing the making of = an urban legend. By the way. the movie was dreadful, boring, adolescent, = stupid and a great disappointment, not to mention Not scary! Sorry for the divertissement. Ann/5/MD ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: 6Traits- Re: Totally unrelated item From: TchnTeri@aol.com Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 10:53:06 EDT In a message dated 8/4/99 7:51:14 AM, AnnMath@aol.com writes: << not to mention Not scary! >> My 20 year old son went expecting a good scare.....he was also sorely disappointed! But me on the otherhand I went to Runaway Bride and laughed my head = off..... Teri she who is starting to come alive after FINALLY getting to vacation! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: re: another unrelated item From: AnnMath@aol.com Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 11:06:28 EDT Hi, me again, in a right brained mode: I'm finally gearing up for My week at the beach, so I have gone "off" school stuff for a moment. My 20 year old son is going to England to = spend the year in an exchange program studying { :-) } English Lit. and backpacking the Lake Country and Scotland. (don't you wish you were that young again). We have run into several pot holes looking for airfares on = the net, as he won't return until June, 2000. (leaving October 1) Is there = anyone out there who has done this or can offer any suggestions to us on this "adventure" that will make the experience as inexpensive as possible (His = mom being a teacher, and all?) Thanks, Ann, MD5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Gary Larson From: "Barbara D. Martin" Date: Wed, 04 Aug 1999 09:02:34 -0700 Susan, On a trip to the book store with my 16 year old son we picked up a copy of one of Gary Larson's books. Would his cartoons be a good example of word choice? Voice? Barbara ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: ****6Traits- Organization #1 - 7/5/99**** From: Susan Nixon <susan@desertskyone.com> Date: Thu, 05 Aug 1999 00:04:05 -0700 Hello, all, Here we go with Organization. Sorry it's two days late. As I mentioned, = I just got e-mail back last night about 8 pm. To make it short and sweet, an organized piece of writing has: An inviting introduction Thoughtful transitions Logical sequencing Pacing is under control A satisfying conclusion To expand on that a bit: 1) Your introduction is inviting, getting the piece started and allowing the writer to drive from there. 2) Key points and ideas are linked by deliberate, thoughtful transitions. 3) The sequencing is logical, purposeful, and effective. It also will be varied, not repeating the same words over and over. 4) Pacing, speeding up for a wide angle and slowing down for close-ups, = is well controlled. 5) The conclusion wraps things up and leaves you thinking, but not wondering about what the purpose of the piece was. The key question you might ask yourself to identify whether a piece has organization, or not, is: Does the organizational structure enhance the ideas and make it easier to understand? Or does it overpower the ideas like too much perfume in a crowded elevator? From the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory training manual Susan Nixon 2nd grade Phoenix, AZ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: ****6Traits- Organization #2 - 8/5/99 - Assignment #1**** From: Susan Nixon <susan@desertskyone.com> Date: Thu, 05 Aug 1999 00:10:21 -0700 Sorry about the time warp on message #1's date! Here are some examples of short student writing which showcase = organization: Endings that leave you thinking: "Life is like that. What you don't have always seems to be the thing you want." "Above all, I show [my grandfather] that I love him and care what happens to him. This is the most important thing to remember when caring for the elderly, especially if you are related to them. They need your love, and even if you don't want to admit it, you need theirs." "So Zeena - you can keep popping those marshmallows into you mouth, but remember - not everything about chocolate covered marshmallows is sweet." "All and all Billy Bafford was the most stinky, nose picking, ugly, red headed, big eared, loud mouthed bully you could ever dream. I should = know, He was my best friend." Individual Assignment: Find a passage from a favorite author which you think demonstrates organization. Share it with the group. Children's authors, children authors, or your favorite free time reading author. Trying to find a short example may be difficult. You might want to concentrate on an inviting introduction from an organized piece, or a satisfying conclusion, such as I've given above. mailto:6Traits@ Susan Nixon 2nd Grade Phoenix, AZ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: 6Traits- Gary Larson From: Susan Nixon <susan@desertskyone.com> Date: Thu, 05 Aug 1999 00:15:47 -0700 > On a trip to the book store with my 16 year old son we picked up a copy >of one of Gary Larson's books. Would his cartoons be a good example of >word choice? Voice? Definitely word choice, as his words are so deliberately chosen and often involve multiple meanings. Since he makes us laugh, or boo, our emotions are involved, so I would give him a high voice rating, too. Good questions! Susan Nixon 2nd Grade Phoenix, AZ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: ****6Traits - Organization #3 - 8/5/99 - Assignment #2**** From: Susan Nixon <susan@desertskyone.com> Date: Thu, 05 Aug 1999 01:14:39 -0700 I still don't have the date right, but I didn't want assignment 2 to have an earlier date than assignment #1, so you can just figure that *I'm* in a time warp! Here is the writing rubric for organization. Assignment: Please go through this copy, or one you printed from the web site, and underline the words which seem to = you to be definitive of each level. Also, circle the words which separate a 2 from a 1 and a 3 from a 2. Then discuss your observations *within your group*. Each group should post *one* message *to the list*, so choose a reporter, to avoid repetition. *Sign all group names involved in the discussion* to the group message, please. In the group report, please list the terms from the rubric which your group considered to be = definitive of each level. Example: Level 2 - "lacks a clear organizational structure" "difficult to follow" For those who want a certificate of hours at the completion of the course, I am keeping track of all the postings. You will have to discuss with = your district whether or not they accept it for inservice clock hours. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>= > >>>>>> *6 Traits Writing Assessment Rubric for Organization* The Weak Side: Level - 1 - Beginning (Not Yet) Writing Looks Like: The writing lacks coherence; organization seems haphazard and disjointed. Even after rereading,the reader remains confused. The writing is characterized by: *a lack of effective sequencing. *a failure to provide an identifiable beginning, body, and/or ending. *a lack of transitions. *pacing that is consistently awkward; the reader feels either mired down in trivia or rushed along too rapidly. *a lack of organization which ultimately obscures or distorts the main point. Level 2 - Emerging The writing lacks a clear organizational structure. An occasional organizational device is discernible; however, the writing is either difficult to follow and the reader has to reread substantial portions, or the piece is simply too short to demonstrate organizational skills. The writing is characterized by: *some attempts at sequencing, but the order of the relationship among ideas is frequently unclear. *a missing or extremely undeveloped beginning, body, and/or ending. *a lack of transitions, or when present, ineffective or overused transitions. *a lack of an effective organizational structure. *details that seem to be randomly placed, leaving the reader frequently confused. *attempts organization, but the reader has to figure it out. Level 3 - Developing An attempt has been made to organize the writing; however, the overall structure is inconsistent or skeletal. The writing is characterized by: *attempts at sequencing, but the order or the relationship among ideas = may occasionally be unclear. *a beginning and an ending which, although present, are either = undeveloped or too obvious (e.g., "My topic is...", "These are all the reasons that...."). *transitions that sometimes work. The same few transitional devices = (e.g., coordinating conjunctions, numbering, etc.) may be overused. *a structure that is skeletal or too rigid. *placement of details that may not always be effective. *organization which lapses in some places,but helps the reader in others. = Level - 4 Competent Organization is clear and coherent. Order and structure are present, but may seem formulaic. The writing is characterized by: *clear sequencing. *an organization that may be predictable. *a recognizable, developed beginning that may not be particularly = inviting; a developed conclusion that may lack subtlety. *a body that is easy to follow with details that fit where placed. *transitions that may be stilted or formulaic. *organization which helps the reader, despite some weaknesses. Level 5 - Experienced The organization enhances the central idea(s)and its development. The = order and structure are strong and move the reader through the text. The writing is characterized by: *effective sequencing; the organizational structure fits the topic, and the writing is easy to follow. *an inviting beginning that draws the reader in and a satisfying sense of resolution or closure. *smooth, effective transitions among all elements (sentences, paragraphs, ideas). *details that fit where placed. Level - 6 WOW! The organization enhances the central idea(s) and its development. The order and structure are compelling and move the reader through the text easily. The writing is characterized by: *effective, perhaps creative, sequencing; the organizational structure fits the topic, and the writing is easy to follow. *a strong, inviting beginning that draws the reader in and a strong, satisfying sense of resolution or closure. *smooth, effective transitions among all elements (sentences, paragraphs, ideas). *details that fit where placed The trainer yesterday made this comment, which I thought was good to = remember: A strong paper, a 5 or 6, has details like stepping stones, leading the reader along. From the Oregon Department of Education, revised July 8, 1996, as issued = by the Arizona Department of Education. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: RE: Organization rubric From: AnnMath@aol.com Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 17:58:19 EDT Have no idea if this "chart" will transition in the same format. Imagine lines. :-) elements--> Sequence Body Transitions Details (beginning, placement, middl,end) effect = on org Levels 1 lacks lacks lacks obscures 2 lacks a clear some lacks or attempts structure attempt overused 3 attempts too obvious sometimes lapses, = but begin or end works, some organiz = helps overused readers' under- standing 4 clear recognizable stilted some = weaknesses may lack subtlty but org helps reader. or invitation 5 effective inviting beg'n'g smooth details fit satisfying end 6 effective strong smooth/ wellplaced effective = (creative) Ann/5/MD ps: How would one send a chart done in a spreadsheet elsewhere? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: Organization rubric II From: AnnMath@aol.com Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 18:10:46 EDT Forget that!! (my last) Sequence: 1.lack, 2. lack clear structure 3. attempt, 4. clear, 5. = effective 6 effective Body (beginning, middle end) 1.lack 2. some 3. too obvious beginning or end 4. = recognizable 5. inviting beginning, satisfying end 6. strong Transition: 1. lack 2. overuse or lack 3. sometimes works, 4. = stilted 5. smooth 6. smooth and effective Details: placement's effect on organization: 1. obscures 2. attempts 3. lapses 4. some weaker 5. details fit 6. well placed That's better. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: 6Traits- where are youall? From: DLM2nd@aol.com Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 20:49:19 EDT In a message dated 8/4/99 12:05:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time, = Sgreen70@aol.com writes: << is Blair Witch Project based on a true story? >> It is a fictional story produced like a documentary....so even the actors = in it did not know what to expect, so their reactions were real....but the storyline...fake. Dedra ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 2 more Writers' quotes From: "Susan & John Osvald" Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 22:12:55 -0500 "The most original thing a writer can do is write like himself. It is also the most difficult task." -- Robertson Davies "My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: when you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip." -- Elmore Leonard ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Assignment: Example of Organization From: Valerie Dehombreux Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 20:47:21 -0700 (PDT) The ending of "The Big Orange Splot" by Daniel Manus Pinkwater: Then, one by one, they went to see Mr. Plumbean, late at night. They would sit under the palm trees and drink lemonade and talk about their dreams -- and whenever anybody visited Mr. Plumbean's house, the very next day that person would set about changing his own house to fit his dreams. Whenever a stranger came to the street of Mr. Plumbean and his neighbors, the stranger would say, "This is not a neat street." Then all the people would say, "Our street is us and we are it. Our street is where we like to be and it looks like all our dreams." =3D=3D=3D Valerie Dehombreux Third Grade Whiteriver, Arizona tafille@yahoo.com _____________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Free instant messaging and more at http://messenger.yahoo.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- End of 6Traits Digest -- To unsubscribe, send any message at all to: 6Traits-off@.