Early Writing And Alphabet Knowledge: Language and Literacy In Children Aged 3-5

Widely Held Expectations

• Child shows an interest in early writing
  • Uses scribbles, shapes or pictures to represent specific thoughts, ideas, stories
• Child progresses in the identification of letters
  • Identifies some letters and numbers
  • Uses pretend writing in play as a purposeful activity
• Child recognizes and/or writes own name on artwork or possessions

Learning in Action: Examples

The Child

• Uses magnetic letters or other alphabet materials to form own name
• Labels a drawing with several randomly placed, letter-like shapes
• Copies letters from signs and labels posted around the room

The Adult

• Displays children’s names on artwork, cubbies and all personal supplies
• Models the use of writing and drawing in everyday activities
• Promotes literacy related play activities and respects children’s attempts at writing
• Provides opportunities for children to express their thoughts and ideas through the developmental stages of scribbles to conventional print
• Displays the alphabet at child’s eye level

The Environment Includes

• Writing materials to encourage children’s attempts at writing
• Books and writing tools, from crayons to computers, in each area of play
• Displays of children’s art (including children’s beginning attempts at writing) around the room at child’s eye level