Children learn to write as they explore different tools and materials. Adults can encourage children to write by providing opportunities in a variety of settings. Children will demonstrate writing skills ranging from Scribbles to Conventional Spelling.
Project ELIPSS indentified several classroom practices which reflect environmental design and teaching strategies that promote early writing skills in young children.
The classroom has a well-stocked writing center with a variety of paper and writing tools.
Other materials that support writing development, such as lists of the children’s names, chalk and chalkboards, magnetic board and letters, flannel board, letter tiles and blocks, alphabet chart, letter and picture stamps and ink pads, scissors, staples, and tape are readily accessible.
Computer is used to support children’s writing through the use of open-ended software that encourages drawing and experimentation with writing.
Art center is well-stocked with materials for all kinds of art – paints, fingerpaints, crayons, chalk, many kinds of paper, items for collage, play dough.
All areas of the room have writing materials (grocery lists, journals, prescription pads, waiter’s pads) to encourage writing for specific purposes.
Providing a sign-up sheet at the computer center or other popular centers may encourage children to write their name for a purpose.
As children begin to write, their marks can be identified according to stages of writing. Seven stages can be defined for preschool children:
View Stages of Children's Writing PDF
Stages of emergent writing seen in kindergarten children as described by Elizabeth
Sulsby, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
View Children’s Development of Emergent Writing – NCREL
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/reading/li1lk69.htm
Many parallels can be drawn between art and writing. By encouraging children’s
expressiveness through a variety of tools and materials, educators and families
are promoting emergent writing skills.
View Art and Writing PDF
View Activities to Support Early Writing, Level 1 PDF
View Activities to Support Early Writing, Level 2 PDF
View Activities to Support Early Writing, Level 3 PDF
Resources to Encourage Emergent Writing
Stories of our Lives – Scholastic Early Childhood Today – activity
ideas to help children learn about the writing process
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/ect/lifestories.htm
Supporting Emergent Writing – Inclusive Consultancy and Training – suggested
activities for both on and off computer, including adaptations for children
with disabilities.
http://www.inclusive.net/resources/units/unit2/unit2_12.shtml
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