Learning+to+Write

[[image:beginning.JPG width="144" height="110" align="right" caption="Beginning"]]Learning to Write
Children often learn before school that writing is different from the spoken language. When writing begins children experiment with written symbols. Usually children follow stages of writing progression, the phases include: beginning, early emergent, emergent, early, transitional and extending

As a child's writing develops they begin to proof read, revise and edit. They become aware of punctuation, grammar and handwriting.

When implementing strategies to teach children how to write as with any other subject, praise of the children's efforts is a pivotal point. When a child does something correct it is important to acknowledge it and encourage more of ti. If a child makes an error it is important to try and get them to see the error and then work with them in fixing it, once they have done so, praise them for recognizing the error and fixing it. As children's confidence levels grow their abilities will continue to grow as well.

Major teaching strategies for writing.
Modelled writing
 * Teacher holds the pen or demonstrates from a book
 * Teacher emphasises the thinking process involved in writing
 * Children observe the writing process in action

Shared writing
 * Teacher responds to writing ideas from children
 * Teacher holds the pen, children invited to share the pen
 * Teacher provides guidance[[image:earlywriting.jpg width="205" height="165" align="right" caption="Early writing"]]

Guided writing
 * small group or individuals
 * writing conference in action
 * children hold the pen and do the writing

Independent writing
 * child chooses the topic and writes

Language experience
 * Teacher scribes the text for the children
 * Teacher and children discuss the topic [[image:transitional_writing.jpg width="191" height="149" align="right" caption="Transitional"]]
 * Children also draw
 * Children encouraged to make attempts at the easy parts of the writing

After children learn about the letter names and their sounds it is natural that they want to begin to write them. This video shows a good simple approach for children to begin writing letters. By demonstrating how to write the letter a couple of times and then getting the children to say which letter it is involves them and builds their confidence. Once they are having a go at writing the letter she praises the children which is important but also helps them see any errors and praises them for correcting themselves as well. [|Click here to see the footage.]

Teachers can help children develop their writing either individually or in groups. Helping children read and critique each others writing can help them to understand that writing may sometimes be for themselves but also for an audience.
 * The most important part for teaching writing is that children are aware that there is a purpose for their writing