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Connecting the Dots: Using the Six Plus One Model to Teach Writing in all Content Areas

Authors: Debra Favro, Nona Garrand, Nancy Strack

Grade : Six (can be adapted)

Overview:
“Learn as much by writing as by reading.” Lord Acton

Connecting the Dots is a learning unit designed to help students become more capable writers in allcontent areas. Our plan involves incorporating the Six plus One Traits of Writing format into core curriculumareas. Using Six plus One not only defines quality writing, but also provides teachers, students and parents witha common language for discussing and improving writing.

Recent research shows that students learn content inall curricular areas more effectively through writing.Our learning unit will provide teachers with creative, practical and flexible writing activities based onNYS standards in core content areas. Time constraints have traditionally been a barrier to incorporating writingin non-ELA areas. This unit offers a format that is quick to administer, and provides meaningful opportunity forstudents to collect and analyze information and deliver it with clarity and conviction.

The Six plus One model allows for easy differentiation of assignments to fit varying needs of learners,as well as an established model for consistent, constructive feedback. Our goal is to develop writers whose workacross the curriculum is focused, shows depth of understanding and is fresh and unique. Students will know thatquality writing is not confined to the ELA classroom.