The Beginnings of Writing

Book excerpt: In The Beginnings of Writing, the authors give the clearest, most comprehensive source on young children's development of writing, illustrating every concept with student artifacts.From scribbles and invented spelling to composition, this book also presents the most careful attention to children's development available, illuminating what they are trying to do as they write. Teachers who want to understand each child's present challenges and successes as (s)he develops competence in writing--and then offer appropriate instruction and support at each point in the child's learning--can turn to this highly popular, well-respected book for practical, clear guidance. In it readers get a detailed story of children's development of writing, from scribbles to letters; from imaginative inventions to conventional spelling; and from enthusiastic and boisterous utterances on paper to effectively structured compositions. The guide covers best practices for teaching handwriting, spelling, and composition and gives readers a rich understanding of our English writing system, from its amazing past to its complicated present, providing teachers with a wealth of instructive and fascinating answers to the question, "But why do we do it this way?" The Beginnings of Writing broke new ground when the First Edition appeared over 30 years ago and it remains the clearest and most comprehensive explanation of children's development of writing. It tells the story of the English writing system, along with our composition from the ancient Roman schools rhetoric to the genres of writing recognized today. An introductory chapter is followed by sections on early graphics, invented spelling, and composition. New information is included in each section.