Developmental Writing, Family Support, and Transitions |
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 Developmental Writing
As children make connections between spoken and written language, they extend their understanding to include symbolic forms that are used to capture speech. Preschool-age children typically engage in reading and writing activities in casual and playful ways. Children who have had frequent opportunities to write and read at home are more likely to enter conventional literacy as confident, risk-taking readers and writers.
For almost all children in a literate society, learning to write and read begins early in life. Research indicates that there are five developmental stages of writing;
- Awareness, Exploration of Role Play Writing
- Emergent or Experimental Writing
- Transitional or Early Writing
- Conventional Writing
- Proficient Writing
 As educators, how can we build on what we already know about oral language development, concepts about print, and the writing process to help support families at home? In order to serve children, we must work with their families. Working with families in one of the most important aspects of being an early childhood professional, yet it is an area in which may educators have received little preparation. We spend hours learning about child development, developmentally appropriate practices, health and safety, playgrounds, and play. To serve children well, we must work with their families. To be effective in this work, we must first understand the families. Families are diverse. Yet, no matter how different families appear to the outside observers, they all have certain characteristics in common. Examining these characteristics helps educators engage families in ways the foster optimal child development.
Starting school is an important time for young children, their families, and educators. it has been described as "one of the major challenges" children have to face in their early childhood years. The transition to formal schooling is a landmark event for children, families, and educators. There are several reasons why the transition to kindergarten is important;
- The early elementary years are important in establishing competencies critical to children's school success and achievement.
- Early childhood learning environments are quite different from traditional elementary school classroom settings. The entrance to kindergarten is a point of considerable change and transition. It is these differences that transition pratices attempt to bridge and overcome.
- Children's experiences prior to kindergarten are different now than they were a generation ago. Kindergarten classes are larger and children have to deal with more children andm more adults than in preschool.
- Maturity demands are greater, such as sitting still for longer periods of time and self-control and attention.
- Children usually ride the bus without parents and with bigger children for the first time.
Profesional Development Tools:
*Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open these pdf documents. If you do not have it click on the "Get Adobe Reader" logo at the bottom of this page.
The Little Old Lady
EC Research and Policy Briefs - Transition to Kindergarten
Materials That Encourage Parent-Child Literacy Experiences
Understanding Families
Mario's Story
Computers and Young Children
"Glossary of Terms"
"Language & Literacy Environments"
Timeline for Special Ed Svcs. - Age 3
Booking and Cooking / Letter Learning
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