Writing in childhood

Writing in childhood is the process of developing writing abilities during the early years of life, generally from infancy to adolescence. Writing in childhood encompasses the growth of writing abilities, including acquiring skills to write letters and words, comprehending grammar and sentence structure, and cultivating the capacity to communicate ideas and feelings through written language, which is very significant as it has an impact on academic achievement, social and emotional growth, and eventual professional accomplishments. The benefits of writing with children for emergent literacy development. Children's experiences with writing and creating texts is an important avenue for self-expression in early childhood. These experiences also support precursors to their later reading and writing development.

Four developmental stages

Based on what have been discussed in the ontogenesis of writing in childhood and adolescence by Christie, F. (2010), the developmental stages for writing in children could be generally divided into four stages:

1. The emergent stage (6-8 years)

The initial stage of writing in childhood is marked by early literacy skills like drawing and scribbling, which become more recognizable as writing as children enhance their fine motor abilities. The development of fine motor abilities, which are activated from practices of tracing and drawing letters and symbols, help children to begin to form letters. It is widely regarded as the most crucial phase in developing children's writing skills because it gives them a fundamental understanding of writing and reading texts. This step lays the foundation for grasping the connection between written and spoken language. Research has shown that during this age range, children experiment with different ways to convey meaning, thus realizing that writing is a symbol of language. During this stage, children begin to grasp the notion that writing represents language, and they test various ways of creating marks on paper to convey meaning. Executive functions development such as memory and self control also plays a key role during this stage. These functions allow children to plan and draft their writing tasks. Evidence based practices include combining writing with reading activities to allow children to practice writing for other purposes such as storytelling and writing practical documents. Teachers can integrate these practices of modeling letters into children's early writing experiences to influence an understanding of writing structure.

2. The developing stage (7-9 years)

This stage, also referred to as the transitional stage, is characterized by an increasing level of control over writing, including a more sophisticated understanding of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Children at this stage begin to write more complex sentences and paragraphs, and they are able to communicate their ideas more effectively. At this stage, the curriculum plays an important role in the children's skill development. Research has shown that support from teachers such as writing activities are strongly correlated with improved writing outcomes. Children may also experiment with different writing styles and genres as they continue to refine their skills.

One of the key aspects of the developing stage is the increased focus on writing for different purposes and audiences. Children at this stage are encouraged to write in a variety of contexts, such as writing personal narratives, which helps them to develop a deeper understanding of the conventions of different genres and to become more adept at tailoring their writing to different audiences.

3. The consolidating stage (9-12 years)

This stage marks a development in children's writing abilities where they produce more elaborate sentences and paragraphs, owing to their enhanced grasp of grammar and spelling. It is a critical stage because it involves possessing writing abilities and cultivating a more advanced writing style. Children who successfully advance through this stage are better equipped to tackle the requirements of academic writing and other types of written communication.

One important aspect of the developing stage is the emphasis on revising and editing. Children at this stage are encouraged to go back and review their writing, looking for ways to improve clarity, coherence, and effectiveness, and they may also receive feedback from teachers or peers, which helps them to develop a more critical thought.

4. The commanding stage (12-18 years)

The final stage of the development of writing in childhood and adolescence is known as the commanding stage It is characterized by mature writing skills, including the ability to write for different purposes and audiences, to use a variety of writing styles and genres, and to revise and edit writing for clarity and effectiveness. At this stage, children have become confident and skilled writers, in control of the grammar and written language conventions, which allows them to use writing to achieve their goals and express their ideas with clarity and precision. This stage represents the culmination of years of developing writing skills and is a key indicator of a child's ability to communicate effectively through writing, preparing them for the demands of academic writing and other forms of written communication in adulthood.

Principles

Some principles are used to identify the different stages of development that children have mastered. These principles are the recurring principle, the generative principle, the inventory principle, and the sign principle.

The Recurring Principle

This principle is when children understand the repetition of patterns and shapes in English writing. Some examples of these can include scribbles that follow a similar pattern.

Generating Principle

This is when children reorganize a limited set of units to create new meanings by combining or arranging elements in a variety of ways. This can be illustrated through the use of letters, but do not formulate words through writing.

Inventory Principle

In this principle, children often inventory items by listing them or naming them. This can follow up the form of a list, going downwards in a vertical structure.

The Sign Principle

This refers to children’s understanding of print representing entities that aren't printed, such as word boundaries and page layout. For instance, this can be illustrated by the drawn-out figure of a girl to represent the word girl with different scribbles or letters around the figure.  

Other kinds of learning in childhood

Learning handwriting

Handwriting, defined as the ability to produce legible and quick writing by Dinehart, are closely related to writing in childhood, for developing handwriting skills in early childhood supports the advancement of some writing skills, such as reading and understanding of contextual cues, which might link to later academic success.

• Support of development of reading skills

Research indicates that handwriting and reading share neural pathways and the cognitive processes involved in handwriting, such as letter formation and letter-sound relationships, are also involved in reading acquisition. Additionally, the physical act of writing helps children develop visual and spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination, which are also important for reading process.

• Handwriting readiness and the likelihood of later academic success

Handwriting readiness refers to a child's preparedness for learning handwriting skills, which includes aspects such as cognitive, motor, and perceptual abilities. Research suggests that handwriting readiness is a significant predictor of academic success in later years, as it is related to overall school readiness and performance. For example, children who have difficulty with handwriting readiness in kindergarten are more likely to experience difficulties in literacy and math in later grades. Therefore, it is important for educators to provide opportunities for children to develop their handwriting skills and readiness in early childhood education.

Learning from adults

As Rowe mentions in her article, children's writing skills in childhood are influenced by their interaction with adults, such as parents and caregivers, who expose them to language and literacy from a young age, and children learned intentionality through joint participation in writing with adults, with primarily focusing on five key patterns:

1. The joint negotiation of textual intentions - Children and adults work together to establish a shared understanding of what they want to write and how they want to write it, and children learn to take on a more active role in this process as they gain experience and confidence, and this collaborative approach helps children to develop their writing skills and to see themselves as writers.
2. Pedagogical mode of address - Adults play a crucial role in helping children to learn writing by using a specific pedagogical mode of address. This pattern involves speaking to children in a way that is clear, supportive, and structured, hence providing them with the guidance they need to understand the writing process and to develop their skills, and by mimicking this mode of address, adults help children to become more confident and independent writers.
3. Use of existing resources to take up roles as writers - Children also learn writing by mimicking adults in their use of existing resources to take up roles as writers. Rowe's study found that children are particularly adept at using the physical tools of writing, like pencils and papers, to construct their own writing identities, and by mimicking adults in their use of these resources, children are able to develop their own writing skills and to see themselves as active participants in the writing process.
4. Changes in participation - Children's participation in the writing process changes over time as they gain experience and confidence. Initially, children may be more passive in their participation, observing adults and mimicking their behavior. Nevertheless, as they gain more experience though the observation, they become more active participants in the writing process, making decisions about what to write and how to write it.
5. Agency in shaping their participation as write - Children possess agency in shaping their participation as writers. In other words, they are not simply passive learners, but active participants who have their own ideas and perspectives. To be more specific, by mimicking adults and participating in the writing process, children are able to shape their own identities as writers and to develop their own unique writing styles.

Learning from teachers

Teachers play a crucial role in enhancing children’s writing development, primarily during the elementary years when cognitive skills transform into well structured writing. Research underscores the value of evidence-based practices in fostering these skills. Troia explains these strategies such as explicit instruction in writing processes (e.g., planning, drafting, and revising) and combining writing with reading activities as help. Similarly, the U.S. Department of Education emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for collaborative writing, providing timely peer and instructor review, and incorporating technology to support writing instructions.

These evidence-based practices both improve the writing abilities of students and contribute to  their broader literacy development. For instance, practices such as the transformation from scribbling into writing letters helps children make connections between written and spoken language, while collaborative activities improve the flow of ideas and foster critical thinking. By implementing these evidence-based practices, teachers help children develop the skills and confidence necessary to become proficient writers and learners.

The role of parents and caregivers

The role of parents and caregivers in supporting children's early writing development is critical, as their involvement in literacy practices shapes how children understand and develop writing skills. Research emphasizes the value of these interactions. Neuman and Roskos point out that literacy-enriched play settings or homes where caregivers read and engage in writing-related activities help children understand the functions of writing. These environments help children grasp an understanding of how writing works in the world around them, such as using labels or writing messages. Additionally, Rand and Morrow argue that play experiences contribute significantly to early literacy by allowing children to engage in pretend writing and storytelling, which in turn helps them understand the structures and functions of narrative writing.

Galda, Pellegrini and Cox emphasize the importance of everyday adult interactions in promoting children's emergent literacy. Their longitudinal study found that when parents read aloud and discuss stories with children, they expose them to vocabulary, storytelling techniques, and organizational strategies needed for writing. Through activities like retelling stories, children learn to put events in order which is an important skill for understanding and writing narratives. According to Brown, this ability to understand and create clear stories is closely linked to the language experiences children have with adults, especially when they retell or organize events from daily life. In this context, parents serve as guides to help children develop the organizational skills needed to write well.

Alber-Morgan discusses how feedback from adults plays a huge role in children’s writing development. By providing positive reinforcement and constructive suggestions, caregivers help children refine their skills, improving both their confidence and their writing abilities. These types of feedback, along with a caring and nurturing home environment, allow children to develop their writing in meaningful and supportive ways. By engaging in activities like reading, storytelling, and providing feedback, parents and caregivers create a literacy-rich environment that supports early writing development. Through these interactions, children not only learn the how of writing but also develop a deep understanding of its purpose and structure, laying the foundation for future academic and creative writing.

Play and early writing development

Young children don’t just learn to write through lessons; they also pick up essential skills through playing. Drawing, pretending, and storytelling are engaging activities that can play an important role in developing writing skills. When children engage in pretend play, they start creating their own stories, organizing events, and even picking up new words to express their ideas. These activities help them understand how stories work and how to communicate their thoughts, which will help when they start writing more formally as they grow.

The study by Neuman and Roskos found that literacy-enriched play areas had a positive impact on preschoolers. Children who spent time in these spaces were much better at understanding how writing works in the real world. Activities like drawing pictures or pretending to write letters give children a chance to see how communication can be visual. Basically, they’re learning the building blocks for writing before they even realize it. These play experiences serve as a foundation for more formal writing tasks later in life.

Parents and caregivers also have a big impact. Reading together, talking about stories, and even offering feedback on what kids write at home all help them improve their writing skills. Research by Alber-Morgan, Hessler, and Konrad shows that when adults guide kids through daily activities like writing letters or telling stories, it boosts their writing ability. These home-based interactions set children up for success in school, helping them transition smoothly into more formal writing tasks later on.

Multimodal writing

Multimodal writing refers to the integration of various modes of communication, such as visual, images, textual, and symbolic elements, which support children's writing development. Research highlights the significant role of illustrations and other graphics in gaining early literacy and writing skills. For young children drawing serves as a semiotic resource. It is a way to make meaning and communicate ideas, as well as navigate through text both within and outside of formal educational settings.

The role of drawing

Childs Picture Book

Studies often demonstrate that drawing plays a pivotal role in children's early stages of writing development. Research on Children’s Text Development indicates that five-year-olds often communicate more effectively through drawing rather than writing, as the former allows them to express ideas that may be beyond their written vocabulary. Drawing serves as an essential middle ground for developing classroom literacy in the early years, as seen in Vygotsky's theory, which posits a temporal and maturational link between drawing and writing. As children progress through school and age, however, classroom opportunities for drawing diminish, with traditional writing formats often prioritizing linear, and landscape paper given to students developing into narrow college ruled paper.

Drawing is especially beneficial during the brainstorming stage of writing, enabling children to generate ideas through drawings and engage with writing as a communicative process. Studies suggest drawing to be like a shift into writing. This symbiotic relationship between drawing and writing allows children to interchange pictures and words, forming a creative outlet and a deeper connection to their work. A student from Jones’s S. K. study "Notch," shared how he used drawing and writing to organize his thoughts while playing the video game Minecraft. He explained:

"I make the drawings and then I show, and then I put arrows and then say what it is and what kind of block it is...and then since I have these good ideas in my head, eventually I’ll make them in the computer."

Notch's example highlights how drawing can serve as a preparation for writing, helping children to structure and develop their ideas.

Graphics in text and literacy development

Studies also indicate that graphics have been relevant to children's texts since at least the 15th century, with their prevalence increasing each decade since the 1970s. Studies have shown that graphics not only motivate learning but also improve memory and understanding of written material. Young children (ages 6–11) often rely more heavily on pictures than text to infer meaning and make connections to stories. This is because they tend to focus on graphic elements explicitly referenced in accompanying text, while older children gradually shift their attention to the written content.

Researchers of teaching English also identified eight concepts essential for understanding graphics in text: action, intentionality, permanence, relevance, representation, partiality, extension, and importance. However, children vary in their understanding and interpretation of these graphic concepts, influenced by factors such as developmental stage and educational context.

Symbolic understanding and visual literacy

De Loache and Marzolf's research highlights the unique symbolic properties of pictures. Contrary to models, pictures do not require dual representation, making them more easily accessible and valuable tools for digesting textual information. Children's ability to comprehend the symbolic function of images can significantly impact their learning as well as their cognitive development.

Moreover, Penn's 8 month study on classroom drawing elaborates on how children act as "symbol-weavers," using drawing as a way to construct and communicate critical, creative, and constructive ideas. Drawing fosters a performative transition into writing, where children adopt techniques such as clapping syllables and arm spelling to develop their written expression.

Other impacts

Modern culture

Anne Haas Dyson, the professor at the University of Illinois, mentions in her article about writing in childhood that while modern culture can provide new opportunities for communication and expression, it can also create challenges and barriers for children as they learn to write in traditional academic contexts. In other words, modern culture exerts impact on writing in children to some extent.

One of the main ways in which modern culture influences children's writing is through the media and popular culture. Children nowadays are exposed to a wide range of media, including television, movies and the internet, which often use language and writing in ways that differ from traditional academic writing, and this exposure could affect the way children view writing as well as their motivations to engage in writing.

In addition, modern culture has also led to changes in the way children use language in their everyday lives. The use of technology and social media has resulted in new forms of communication, such as texting and instant messaging, which have their own unique language and writing conventions, and children who learn these forms of communication may struggle with the conventions of academic writing or may view them as irrelevant to their lives.

Furthermore, modern culture has led to changes in the way children view themselves as writers. The emphasis on standardized testing and academic performance has created pressure on children to produce writing that meets certain standards, which may limit their creativity and self-expression. In addition, the focus on correctness and accuracy in writing may cause children to view writing as a chore rather than a meaningful and enjoyable activity.

Genre

Generally speaking, Kamberelis argues in his work, entitled 'Genre development and learning: Children writing stories, science reports, and poems', that children's writing is deeply influenced by the genres they encountered because genres can shape their understanding of what constitutes the good writing. Based on several researches conducted by Kamberelis regarding genre types and writing in childhood, they found that each genre have its unique characteristics that children need to learn in order to write effectively. For example, stories required children to develop characters, create a plot, and take the advantage of descriptive language to create a background setting; while poems requires them to focus on the imagination, metaphor, and other literary strategies in order to create a specific effect.

In addition to genre types, Kamberelis' studies also found that children's understanding of various genres can be affected by several factors, including from children's past experiences with reading and writing, cultural and social backgrounds, to teacher's expectations. For instance, children who are more familiar with a particular genre are likely to perform better when they are asked to writing that genre, while children who are not acquainted with it might face difficulties understanding its conventions and expectations, hence making it hard for them to compose in that genre.

Research debate

New research has been conducted that debates the emergent stage in that students learn early literacy skills. Researchers Sulzby and Teale based on Charles Read’s study further researched how children as young as 18 months were able to compose letter-like forms and scribbling that showed the intention of writing. Similarly, research by Martins, Junior, and Silva found convincing evidence that backed their argument through the two spelling programmes used to research children. This has led to what they called emergent literacy which describes the reading and writing development in children that have undergone a recent shift.

Contemporary efforts to advance child writing

New advancements in K-12 curriculum in schools in the United States have led to an increase in debates among educators and parents about the disadvantage or advantages it may have among early childhood development in writing and reading.

Common Core stresses the importance of writing as a parallel to reading when it comes to early learning. The three strategies used to advance students' writing are taking dictation, translating kid writing, and creating cooperative chronicles. Taking dictation refers to teaching students how to understand written speech, they can recall records more easily and efficiently. Despite not understanding sound-symbol relationships, translating kid writing refers to the phase where students attempt to write through random marks on paper. Through creating cooperative chronicles, children learn that revising is an important part of writing that they are capable of accomplishing.

Despite this new effort to realize a new curriculum, there has been some widespread debate in discourse communities. Among the concerns was the lack of early childhood development researchers when it came to implementing this and providing guidance to teachers and parents.

Impact of bilingualism

When young bilingual children are exposed to writing in their second language it is often seen that children will use their first language pre-knowledge and apply it to their second language writing skills. This could be seen when Spanish-speaking children begin to apply their Spanish-speaking sounds of words to the spelling and writing of English vowels. It is also found specifically for Spanish-speaking children, strong reading skills in Spanish accounted for better writing in English. Bilingual children also strongly develop audience awareness when they first start writing in their second language because of prior experience from translating for their parents. This helps them understand what type of audience they are writing to and they often switch to writing in the language they know their audience better understands, to accommodate them better. Although bilingual children have some advantages when it comes to writing in their second language, they often face disadvantages as some children are below grade levels in reading leaving them behind from their peers, and even then these children lack extra support from instructors.