6+-+Learning+to+Write

Learning to write ** Writing involves “representing language in written words” (Hill, 2006, p.279). Writing also 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). Children often know what they want to write and can verbally say what they want to write, but they cannot actually write it. “When children begin to write, they can tell more complex stories than they can write” (Hill, 2006, p.279). When children are learning to write they often go through predictable stages. “The following examples are ways children discover how to write; the sign principle, the flexibility principle, the linear principle and spaces between words” (Hill, 2006, p.281-282). According to Sulzby (1986) (cited in Hill, 2006, p.283) when learning to write there are developmental stages that children go through, although “they are not well defined or sequential” (Hill, 2006, p.283). They include beginning writing, early-emergent writing, emergent writing, early writing, transitional writing and extending writing. (Hill, 2006, p.283-286) The particular aspects of the composing process involve the following: preparation time where ideas are gathered and selected, organising the ideas, drafting, revision and proofreading, and publishing.” (Hill, 2006, p.293) After these processes take place the writer gets a response and evaluation from the reader, this can be from their peers or a teacher. Children also have to learn about punctuation, grammar and handwriting.

Share time is an important aspect of learning to write. Share time allows children to have a reflection of the work they and others have completed. The students listen to each other and encourage each other.

At level 0.5: media type="file" key="writing05vid5.wmv" Can understand that their writing can communicate ideas, feelings and information. (Source: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/teaching resources/english/englishcontinuum/writing/default.htm)

Video at level 1: media type="file" key="writing10vid2.wmv" Can use conventional letters, groups of letters, and simple punctuation such as full stops and capital letters. (Source: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/student learning/teachingresources/english/englishcontinuum/writing/default.htm)

media type="file" key="writing10vid3.wmv" Can demonstrate awareness of the sound system and the relationships between letters and sounds in words when spelling. They form letters correctly, and use a range of writing implements and software. (Source: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning /teachingresources/english/englishcontinuum/writing/default.htm)

Links: There are many other writing videos at this link: [|Department of Education and Early Childhood]. 