Class At-a-Glance:
Class Length: 4 Hours
Time Commitment: 4 hours
Delivery Method: On-Demand Modules
CPD Hours: 5
Audience: All Levels
Cost: Members $80 | Non-Members $100
The 6+1 Traits of Writing for Montessori Elementary Classrooms
The 6+1 Traits of Writing for Montessori Elementary Classrooms
Learn how the 6+1 Traits of Writing framework can strengthen writing instruction in Montessori Elementary classrooms. This self-paced online class explores practical classroom strategies, assessment tools, and reflective practices that help educators support students in becoming confident, expressive, and independent writers.
Share this class:
Program Description
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.
Class Overview
Key Takeaways
As you interact with diverse content, pause for personal reflection, and participate in discussion board conversations, you will:
- 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.
Cost
AMS MEMBER
$80
NON-MEMBER
$100
With an AMS membership, our professional development is free or at a significantly reduced rate. Find out how you can save on PD by exploring AMS membership.
Meet the Expert
Cathy Durand-Horne
AMS DEIB Consultant
Cathy Durand-Horne is an Advanced level, state-approved Child Development Associate trainer with an AMS Infant and Toddler Montessori teaching credential and a BA in Psychology and Economics from Denison University. Cathy has over 20 years of experience in the field of early childhood education, teaching, developing curriculum, consulting, and providing professional development. She is very passionate about empowering teachers in Montessori and traditional Early Learning environments. In addition to being an instructor and field consultant for multiple teacher education programs, Cathy is also the founder of Intentional Logic Group, LLC, a consulting firm that focuses on improving the quality of learning environments intentionally by providing teacher mentorship, classroom consultation, and DEIB strategies. Cathy currently serves as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) consultant for AMS and brings a wealth of information, experience, and knowledge to her work.
Share this class:
By registering for this class, you are agreeing to AMS Terms of Service.
Questions about this program?