Using Benchmark Papers to Teach Writing With the Traits: Grades K–2

Trait expert Ruth Culham has culled papers from diverse K-2 classrooms and collated them here into a unique trait-based teaching resource. Each paper is scored by trait and includes teacher commentary explaining the evaluation based on Culham’s scoring guides, which are included in the book. You’ll find six papers per trait, spanning the grading continuum from low to high. Put papers on the overhead or Smartboard as models for a whole-class writing lesson, make copies for small-group discussions of a trait, invite students to critique or rank papers . . . these are just a few of the possibilities. All papers are included in two versions—original and with teacher comments.