Skills Developed at Each Stage of Writing

Pre-Literate: Scribbling/drawing- Random marks, squiggles, or drawings that do not resemble letters. The child is exploring how to use writing tools and imitating adults who write.

Emergent-Letter-like symbols- Shapes or symbols that resemble letters, but aren’t actual alphabet letters (e.g., backward or invented shapes). Children are beginning to understand that writing involves symbols that represent meaning.

Letters and strings of letters- Real letters used in random sequences (e.g., “ABXTR”), often in strings. Imitating writing by using real letters, though not always tied to phonics.

Transitional- Phonetically spelled words (e.g., “frend” for “friend”), early sentence structure, emerging punctuation. Communicating clear ideas with beginning structure. Better grasp of sound-symbol relationships and high-frequency word spelling. Some self-correction appears.

Fluent: Mostly correct spelling, full sentences, paragraphs, clear organization, proper punctuation. Solid command of language conventions; writing can be edited and revised for clarity and style.