Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide for Middle School (Theory and Practice (Scholastic))

As a homeschool mom, I am always on the look out for materials to help me teach my kids. I have to admit I was completely scared and overwhelmed about teaching my 6th grader writing skills until I purchased and started reading this book. Ruth Culham breaks down teaching writing skills in such an understandable way. The student writing samples that goes with each scoring guides makes it extremely clear what writing skills to look for in my middle school writer. I love that is not the usually kill and drill sort of method for teaching writing skills. Writing isn't going to be a dreaded subject in this house whole. This book provides a great deal wonderful assignments for teaching different writing traits. Some wonderful student book have been suggestion to reinforce the Writing Traits that are being taught. This book has enough material that it will be use for all 3 years of middle school writing instruction for my middle school daughter.

Textbook was delivered as expected

As a homeschooling mom with a child about to enter middle school, I knew I needed help to learn how to get him to take his writing to the next level. This book will do just that! Not only are the writing traits clearly explained, there are examples of papers at different rubric levels. There are also lots of check off / reminder lists you can print off for the students which I love because it helps hold them accountable for their own work. This book will definitely help me be a better teacher to my kids and expand their writing!

Although I have read Culham's previous books and have had experience with the "traits" before, I found this particular edition to be a wonderful resource. The difference is that it is geared towards the 6, 7, and 8th grade population. As any middle school teacher knows, finding resources that address the unique needs of "those in the middle" can be challenging. This book provides tons of writing models that you can use right out of the book or adapt to create your own depending on the needs and level of your class. Additionally, there is a CD packed with writing models, rubrics and support materials. I teach in a school that offers little flexibility and I have found ways to sneak in these superb writing strategies and still adhere to my school's rigid curriculum.

The book was very helpful and I am sure I will be using it throughout my teaching career. HOWEVER, the book did not come with the correct CD. A Shake Weight Workout CD had been put in the back pocket instead of the correct CD. Very deceiving! I did not notice until after the return window had already passed.

Practical approach, full of ideas, explanations, and on point examples! If you hadn’t used the traits before, they may seem a little forced, but you can use the exercises and tweak them. The rubrics for assessment are very helpful. A great resource to teachers of writing in English class and to teachers of writing across the curriculum!

Just started teaching middle school for the first time. I had always used Ruth Culham's books when I taught in the elementary grades and knew if I wanted some good strategies and theories to teach writing to my middle school students, I needed to have this book on my shelf. I was right! Right from the first chapter, I had several new ideas to use.

It's been difficult finding trait writing resources specifically for middle school. This book is just what I was looking for! It's easy to understand and provides really awesome lesson ideas to reinforce the traits' ideas.If you're a middle school ELA teacher who is responsible for teaching the traits, this book is for you!

Highly recommended.

So good. So useful

This book is excellent for teachers who are teaching middle school. The lessons Culham gives are creative and relevant for students today and they are receptive and engaged by them! I highly recommend you get this book if you are looking for an effective way to teach writing skills to your students.

Use this book all the time in my career as a teacher. I keep giving them away and having to buy new ones for myself.

Ruth Culham is my hero! Great introduction to the six traits.