One of the Six Traits of Effective Writing

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Conventions

• One of the Six Traits of Effective Writing

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MPS Comprehensive Literacy Framework
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COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY FRAMEWORK
Area Writing Context School
Audience Teachers
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Components of Effective Writing

• Ideas
• Organization
• Voice
• Word Choice
• Sentence Fluency and Variety
• Conventions
• Presentation

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Why do we focus on the six traits?

• The components of the MPS Writing Rubric are the
  same areas found in the Six Trait Writing Model.

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Definition
Definition of Conventions The elements of
language that help deliver the message
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Elements of Conventions
? The spelling is accurate. ? The punctuation is
correct. ? Proper use of capitalization is
evident. ? The paragraphing is sound. ? The
grammar and usage are handled well. ? Where
appropriate, the author manipulates
conventions for stylistic effects.

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The Concept of Conventions

• Conventions are the agreed upon rules we operate
  by when we engage in experiences that involve
  other people.

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Conventions are all around us.
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The importance of proper use of conventions

• Proper use of conventions conveys a message of
  professionalism to your audience.
• It shows you made the time and effort to edit
  your work and get it right.
• This tells your audience, Youre worth it!

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Conventions in Environmental Print

• Why are conventions so important?

They can enhance or impede the message.
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To share our good ideas with others we must
communicate effectively. This includes the
correct use of the mechanics of writing.
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Conventions

• Use of proper conventions ensures that the
  message we intend to send is the message our
  audience receives.

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Conventions

• Change over time
• Are not necessarily logical
• Are influenced by culture
• Adapt to audience and purpose
• Are contextually bound

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Lessons for the Trait of Conventions
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Lessons for the Trait of Conventions

• The most valuable convention lessons occur in
  context. Use common errors in students writing
  to determine the content of mini lessons.
• Most conventions are driven by rules that are
  not logical. Help students understand the
  larger concept of conventions explain how they
  adapt and change over time.
• Rotate class responsibilities as the Quotation
  Mark Queen, the End Line Punctuation Prince or
  Princess and the Comma Commander. When
  students assist other students with their
  editing, they must explain proper use of the
  convention. This helps solidify the seemingly
  random rules of English in a way that is
  memorable.

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Teach students how to use writing tools.

• Dictionaries
• Spell check and grammar check
• Other resources tools of professional writers

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Teach students to plan and problem solve.

• Students should ask,
• What tools will I need to properly edit my
  work?
• What resources are available to me?
• How much time should I plan for editing in my
  writing process?
• Knowing that editing is done best with fresh
  eyes, it is advisable to wait 48-72 hours between
  revising and editing.

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Conventions

• Improving all conventions at once can be
  overwhelming.

To keep it manageable, ask students to focus on
and edit only one convention at a time.
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Conventions in Literature
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Conventions in Literature

• Frog and Toad Are Friends -By Arnold Lobel

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Conventions in Literature
Eat, Shoots, and Leaves -By Lynne Truss
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Conventions in Literature

• Crash
• -By Jerry Spinelli

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Fever 1793-By Laurie Halse Anderson
Conventions in Literature
FEVER is a shining example of historic fiction.
It draws you in and keeps you riveted throughout.
At first, Maggie is a young, normal girl who
argues with her mother and wants to cut work to
see her crush. But she learns --- too quickly,
unfairly --- the value of family, kindness and
work. She grows into a heroine to be admired. The
novel is so realistic and well-written, you may
actually feel the chill of a fever coming on. And
that's a sure sign of a really good
book. -Excerpted from a book review by Kate
Torpie
Conventions enhance the message of this excellent
book.
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Conventions in Literature

• Down the Road
• -By Alice Schertle

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• Lets take a look at student writing.
• Select a student writing sample.
• Select an appropriate conventions rubric.
• Assess the writing.
• Provide descriptive feedback.

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What You Can Do Now

• Point out the use of correct and effective
  conventions in literature, textbooks, and
  environmental print. Discuss why these are
  examples of quality use of conventions.
• Take the punctuation out of a piece of writing.
  Ask students how this one change impacts the
  message. How are other conventions just as
  important?
• Discuss with your colleagues the expectations of
  students independent use of various editing
  techniques, including various punctuation marks
  and correct spelling. Where and when do students
  demonstrate the ability to apply these skills?

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Conventions

• When conventions are used well, they enhance
  the message.

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Remember
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MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our Goal
Conventions
All students have the knowledge and skills needed
to hit the target!