Learning+to+write


 * Learning to write**[[image:learning_to_write.gif align="right" caption="(Teachers Education, 2007)"]]

When children are learning to write it is a difficult process as it involves learning to use a pencil, to hold it properly and create letters words and sentences to convey meaning to others (Hill, 2006 p.279). Some ways in which children discover how to write english are:

__The sign principle-__ refers to when children realise that symbols stand for something (Hill, 2006 p.281). For example, most children will associate the Mcdonalds golden 'M' with a cheeseburger.

__The flexability principle-__ refers to children realising that the same letter can be written in several ways (Hill, 2006 p.281). For example A, a. They also learn which symbols are letters and which are not (Hill, 2006 p.281). For example = * % > are not letters, whereas, A, T and P are letters.

__The linear principle-__ refers to children learning that english is written from left to right across the page (Hill, 2006 p.282).

__Spaces between words-__ refers to children learning to leave spaces between each word. Many children have difficulty with this concept and like to put full stops in the spaces (Hill, 2006 p.282).

When children begin to write they go through stages although they are not sequential (Hill, 2006 p.283). The following are some features of each stage.

BEGINNING WRITING (Hill, 2006 p. 283). During this stage:
 * children use pictures to communicate a message. For example they draw a cat instead of writing the word cat.
 * writing may occur in large circle shape or scribble lines
 * some individual numbers or letters may appear

EARLY EMERGENT WRITING (Hill, 2006 p.283). During this stage:
 * children use both drawings and letters to represent words
 * they are able to distinguish between pictures and letter symbols
 * children may display some understanding of directionality

EMERGENT WRITING (Hill, 2006 p. 284). During this stage:
 * children begin to create more letter like shapes
 * there may be spaces between the letters
 * the letters begin to represent sounds in words such as 'ppl' for people.

EARLY WRITING (Hill, 2006 p.284-285). During this stage:
 * the difference between capital and lower case writing is apparent
 * spacing between words becomes consistant
 * children continue to create or invent spelling of words
 * children understand there are different forms of writing. For example narrative and information texts.

TRANSITIONAL WRITING (Hill, 2006 p.285). During this stage:
 * volume of writing increases
 * may be many repetitive sentences and phrases
 * quantity not quality becomes apparent
 * puncation is well developed

EXTENDING WRITING (Hill, 2006 p. 286). During this stage:
 * spelling is accurate most of the time
 * there is punctuation
 * writing resembles that of an adult
 * children learn to use different text types that are appropriate to different audiences.

By Ashleigh Smith 700180008