The "Ideas" writing trait is essential to good writing. By using good ideas, the writer: 

• makes everything crystal clear from beginning to end so that the reader can clearly understand the message
• chooses a topic small enough to handle so that the reader can understand the topic
• chooses interesting details so that the reader can enjoy the writing
• knows the topic well so that the reader can then know the topic well 

During the lessons, students will be led through samples of writing in which they think about and respond to how an author used the trait of "ideas".  Pre-writing charts and tips are offered as a way to develop good ideas and important story details. Students will be given the opportunity to practice what they have learned to effectively use good ideas in their writing so that the reader can put pictures in their mind.  

Video Lessons: 

Ideas - Introduction  

• this lesson refers to the story "The Moccasin Goalie" (available at https://www.amazon.ca/Moccasin-Goalie-William-Roy-Brownridge/dp/1551430541)  

Ideas - Lesson 1.2 - "What's Your Point?" - Identifying the Main Idea

Ideas - Lesson 1.3 - "Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down" - Narrowing Writing Down

Ideas - Lesson 1.4 - "Packing Light" - Focusing on the Most Important Details

Making Connections & Write Traits Editing (Conventions) - although this lesson makes reference to a reading resource in the first half of the video, the second half covers write traits editing