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.
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Welcome & Introduction [6 minutes]
Introduction Discussion [5 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
This discussion offers an opportunity to introduce yourself, share where you are from, and what brings you to this class. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 1: Introduction to the 6+1 Traits Framework in Montessori [1 hour]
Lesson 1: Introduction to the 6+1 Traits Framework in Montessori [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson introduces the history, purpose, and flexible philosophy of the 6+1 Traits of Writing framework while highlighting how its shared language and instructional goals can support writing development in Montessori classrooms.
Lesson 1 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 1 Discussion invites you to reflect on the connections between the 6+1 Traits of Writing and Montessori principles. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 2: Ideas and Voice - Fostering Authentic Expression [1 hour]
Lesson 2: Ideas and Voice - Fostering Authentic Expression [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on the Ideas and Voice traits by exploring ways to help students generate meaningful writing, express their authentic perspectives, and feel supported as developing writers in the Montessori classroom.
Lesson 2 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 2 Discussion invites you to reflect on how you have or will support the development of Ideas and Voice in your classroom. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 3: Word Choice and Sentence Fluency- Enhancing Clarity and Style [1 hour]
Lesson 3: Word Choice and Sentence Fluency- Enhancing Clarity and Style [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on the Word Choice and Sentence Fluency traits, highlighting ways Montessori teachers can support vocabulary development, precise language, and smooth, engaging writing.
Lesson 3 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 3 Discussion invites you to identify excerpts that highlight the importance of Word Choice and Sentence Fluency and explain how you plan to use mentor texts in your work. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 4: Structuring and Sequencing Student Writing [1 hour]
Lesson 4: Structuring and Sequencing Student Writing [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson explores the Organization trait, highlighting strategies and tools that help students structure their writing clearly across genres while supporting their development through responsive scaffolding.
Lesson 4 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 4 Discussion invites you to share a tool that you think would be helpful for strengthening students' Organization. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 5: Conventions and Presentation - Refining and Sharing Student Work [1 hour]
Lesson 5: Conventions and Presentation - Refining and Sharing Student Work [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on the Conventions and Presentation traits by exploring how Montessori teachers can support students in editing, refining, and preparing their work for sharing while honoring both accuracy and authentic expression.
Lesson 5 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 5 Discussion will invite you to share how you currently help your learners refine and share their writing and what new tools, practices, or strategies from this lesson you might incorporate in your work. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 6: Assessment, Reflection, and Differentiation in the 6+1 Traits Framework [1 hour]
Lesson 6: Assessment, Reflection, and Differentiation in the 6+1 Traits Framework [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This final lesson focuses on using traits-based assessment tools and feedback practices to support student growth, differentiate writing instruction, and build confidence within a supportive writing community.
Lesson 6 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 6 Discussion will invite you to reflect on writing assessment as a tool for growth, rather than evaluation. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Survey & Certificate [5 minutes]
6+1 Traits of Writing for Montessori Elementary Classrooms Survey [5 minutes]
5 Questions
5 Questions
Completion of this survey is required before receiving a certificate of completion.
Please take a moment to answer a few quick questions to help us improve our short class offerings.
Certificate of Professional Development
8.00 CPD credits | Certificate available
8.00 CPD credits | Certificate available
A certificate for 8 professional development hours will release within 30 minutes of completion of all components of the class.
Additional Resources
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This downloadable pdf offers resources from each lesson of this self-guided class. We hope you’ll explore these resources and continue learning about the 6+1 Traits of Writing.
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$150 |
$120 |
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