Each stage of writing development has value and a purpose for children to help them continue to grow.
The various stages of writing include;
- Scribbling Stage
- Pre-Symbolic Stage
- Letter-Like Forms Stage
- Transitional Stage
- Conventional Writing Stage
Equally important is how we support students in each of these levels.
If your child is in the scribbling stage, they are making marks on the writing surface using a palmar grasp. Your child is starting to understand that marks on a page have meaning. Provide them with open ended drawing opportunities using various materials such as large crayons, chalk, paint, and thicker markers.
If your child is in the pre-symbolic stage of writing, they are more in control of the lines and script that they make. Your child is making connection to verbal language to writing. Support them by labeling their drawings with what they are saying, encourage writing during pretend play, and continue to offer open ended opportunities for exploration with art materials.
If your child is in the letter-like forms stage of writing, their marks become even more controlled than the last, beginning to resemble letters and shapes. Your child is strengthening their awareness of how their body moves in space (specifically their body in the writing process) and begin to notice differences in letter shapes. Support your child by encouraging them to write in pretend play scenarios and have access to materials to support their exploration such as name cards, alphabet stamps and letter building materials.
If your child is in the transitional stage, where they are writing letters in ways that make sense to them and using sounds to create their own spelling of words. Support your child by encouraging them to continue and help to slow down the sounds in speech so they can attempt to identify what they need. Do not correct errors because the goal is not perfection but for them to want to continue to try. Provide opportunities for them to journal write about something of their interest.
If your child is in the Conventional Writing Stage, they are writing recognizable letters and using invented spelling. Your child understands that letters make words and words have meaning. Support your child by encouraging them to tell stories through drawing and writing, provide opportunities to use these skills such as labeling, making lists, and writing notes.