Introducing the 6 Traits in Kindergarten
With the traits evident in early picture writing, some teachers start off with the traits right away -- details in picture books (ideas), letter labeling (word choice), multiple pictures on a page (organization) -- all of the traits are evident in students' picture writing, too.
However, others find a formal 6-Trait introduction is too much, with everything else going on at the beginning of the year. These teachers choose to wait until December or January. However, they do make a point to casually utilize the trait terms during read alouds and writing conferences all year long. This subliminal dropping of the 6-Traits vocabulary starts the awareness level for students. Then, when the formal introduction comes mid-year, the students have at least heard those terms before.
