“The ONLY way to become a better writer is to write MORE!” – Karen Erickson
Writing is more than the motoric task of putting pencil to paper or fingers to keyboard— it is the composition of text that expresses thoughts and ideas.
Let’s be clear:
- Writing is communication, not just a motor task.
- Mastery of spelling and grammar is not a prerequisite to being a writer.
- All students—regardless of ability or background—can learn and develop literacy skills, including writing.
This inclusive mindset is crucial for educators who support developing writers. Recognizing that writing is a journey allows us to honor and encourage growth at every stage.
The Developmental Stages of Writing
Understanding how writing develops helps us support writers where they are and celebrate every milestone along the way. Let’s explore the various stages.
Scribbling
At this earliest stage, children explore the physical act of writing.
- Movements are random and exploratory.
- Scribbling is accidental, joyful, and full of possibility.
- Students imitate the writing of adults.
Letter-Like Forms
Children begin to mimic the structure of letters, often inspired by their environment.
- They create mock letters.
- Writing samples may include letters from their name or recognizable print from the world around them.
Letter Strings
There’s a growing awareness of how writing works.
- Text flows from left to right.
- Children may write their name or familiar words in strings of recognizable characters.
Invented Spelling
Creativity and phonetic knowledge merge.
- Familiar words are often spelled correctly.
- Unfamiliar words are spelled the way they sound.
- Writing includes mixed case letters and spaces between words.
Conventional Writing
Writers now convey clear ideas using more conventional tools.
- They use punctuation.
- Write about personal experiences.
- Spell high-frequency words accurately.
Encouraging all Writers
It’s essential to remember: writing is a skill everyone can develop. Progress may look different for each student, but every mark on a page or character on a screen is a step toward communication and confidence.
So, encourage the scribbles, celebrate the inventive spellings, and most importantly—create opportunities for students to write MORE.
During the 2025-2026 school year, T-TAC ODU will offer multiple opportunities for educators to learn more about writing instruction for our students who access the curriculum through the VESOLs.
