The 6+1 Traits of Writing for Montessori Elementary Classrooms

8 CPDs, Estimated to take 6 hours to complete

The 6+1 Traits of Writing framework offers Montessori Elementary teachers a flexible, student-centered way to support writing development. In this class, learners will explore the background of this framework while considering how its shared language can strengthen writing instruction, student reflection, and meaningful conversations about writing. Through each trait—Ideas, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Organization, Conventions, and Presentation—learners will examine practical strategies for helping students develop clearer, more expressive, and more purposeful writing. The course also explores ways to create classrooms that support confidence, creativity, and independence. Learners will consider how traits-based assessment, rubrics, checklists, and self-reflection can guide student growth while honoring each child’s unique voice and developmental path as a writer.

The class will take approximately six hours to complete with no homework assignments. Each of the six lessons includes a short introduction, content for the participant to review, a game or activity related to the content, and a required discussion post. Each lesson is estimated to take approximately one hour to complete. You will have 180 days (approximately six months) from the date of purchase to complete the class and download the certificate that grants eight hours of professional development. For the best user experience, we recommend using a computer, but content can also be accessed on mobile devices. Certificates will only be awarded for full completion of the class.

Learner Outcomes

• Explain the 6+1 Traits of Writing framework.
• Recognize how the 6+1 Traits framework can support writing instruction in Montessori Elementary classrooms.
• Use the shared language of the 6+1 Traits to guide conversations about writing.
• Support student growth in each of the writing traits: Ideas, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Organization, Conventions, and Presentation.
• Create classroom conditions that encourage authentic expression, confidence, and independence in writing.
• Support student growth as writers through meaningful assessment, reflection, feedback, and opportunities for revision using the 6+1 Traits framework.