FeedGreat 6 + 1 Traits of Writing Activity for Voice with MLK books
January 16, 2012 in Books With Social Studies Content, Elementary Educators, Picture Book, Preschool to 1st grade teachers, six traits of writing Tags: 6 +1 traits of writing, Lesson Plans for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
One of my favorite 6 + 1 traits of writing activities for the elusive VOICE trait has to do with Martin Luther King, Jr and his sister’s book, My Brother Martin. I’m not sure if I’ve written about it before on here or not, but I always share it when I do 6 + 1 trait presentations or when people ask me, “How do I teach voice?” So, in honor of MLK, Jr.’s Day, I thought I would share it again today.
1. Read students My Brother, Martin.
2. Next read them ANY generic Martin Luther King, Jr. information book–you know those non-fiction ones you get in book orders that give good information but have NO voice.
3. Ask students/children which one was more engaging and why.
4. If you teach younger students or you home school young children, then just do a page or two, instead of the whole book, so they can REALLY hear the difference in voice.
5. Try to define VOICE–the personality of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sister really comes through in her book.
6. Talk to students about having their VOICE shine through in their writing and how to do that. One way is by choosing subjects you really care about like his sister did! 
I hope you are enjoying your day off (if you have one) AND that you are remembering the many important things MLK, Jr. did for this country.
January 16th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
Too bad I didn’t have this when I taught. I think my students would have enjoyed this. If I ever get some of the elementary teachers onto my websites, I intend to send them your postings, Margo. Need to have the opportunity presented.
Thanks,
Carole
January 18th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Thanks Carole!
January 19th, 2012 at 12:10 am
Margo,
What a great idea for showing the concept of voice. It’s not only useful when teaching children but for adult writers as well.