The “+1″ of 6+1 writing
With all of the 6-traits emphasis for writing, the +1 seems to have taken a back seat to the traits. I understand why — publishing takes so much time! Teachers shy away from having students actually publish a piece because it could take weeks.
One way to offset this burden of final copies is to balance writing assignments. Students don’t need to follow the entire writing process for every piece they begin. Real-life writers do not finish everything they start. In fact, they abandon much of what they begin! Student writers should be allowed the same privilege, but not all the time.Â
Some assignments are worth specific focus and time. Other assignments might require students to work on several short rough drafts which never go beyond that stage. When planning your year, work to balance short with long, drafts with final, one-shot writing with focused revision.
But, let’s not forget about the +1! What is it really? It’s simply the way the publication looks, the presentation – its layout, design, color, and type. Having students write their messages on tags attached to helium balloons is a +1. Providing colorful final copy paper for students to create their own books is a +1. Letting students create a poster to show what they learned in science is a +1.
A great way to provide an amazing +1 opportunity for your classroom is to do a classbook with Studentreasures. Please click here for a downloadable order form to receive your free classbook kit. Studentreasures will send the materials and even lesson plans to you for free!  Then, after you’ve had your class complete the special pages they provide (one for each student), you simply send the pages back to Studentreasures. They will bind the original pages and send the classbook back to you at no cost. There is a charge for additional copies but no minimum requirement for ordering. You will want to encourage parents to consider ordering a copy. They make great keepsakes and perfect grandparent gifts!
I love it! You should see the looks on the students’ faces when they see their own book coming back to them! The slick-finished, permanently bound books are beautiful. It’s a definite +1!