Writing and Young Children

Father reading to his young daughter

"'Emergent literacy' refers to the first signs of abilities and knowledge with regard to written language, the period between birth and the time when children conventionally read and write." --Sulzby & Teale, 1991

What We Know | Activities | Special Needs

What We Know

Age Level

Baby Writing Milestones
0-2 years
Development of Infant and Toddler Mark Making and Scribbling (pdf)
0-3 years
A Scribble or a Masterpiece? How Your Child’s Writing and Art Changes Over Time
0-3 years
Research Informing the Development of Infant Finger Drawing (pdf)
0-3 years
Emergent Writing among Young Children from 12 -60 months of age (pdf)
1-6 years
Toddler Writing Milestones
2-3 years
Understanding Beginning Writing Skills in Preschoolers
3-5 years
Preschooler Writing Milestones
3-5 years
From Scribbles to Scrabble: Preschool Children's Developing Knowledge or Written Language
3-5 years
Preschool Writing Stages of Development and Activities that Encourage Preschoolers to Write (PowerPoint)
3-5 years
Getting Ready to Read and Write in Child Care
3-6 years
Making Friends with Phonemes
4-7 years
Spelling: Watch and Learn
5-8 years
Writing (video)
5-10 years
Spelling (video)
5-10 years
Read, Write, Think Lesson Plan Index
5-18 years
Teaching Writing (video)
5-11 years

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Activities

Age Level

Parent Practice Guides for Literacy Experiences
0-5 years
Books and Crayons of One's Own – Toddlers (podcast)
1-3 years
Get Write On It (podcast)
1-3 years
Encouraging Preschoolers' Early Writing Efforts (pdf)
3-5 years
Pre-K Writing Resources
3-5 years
How to Practice Preschool Letter and Name Writing
3-5 years
Delighting in Writing (podcast)
3-5 years
Inspire Your Child to Write: Create a Writing Box
3-10 years
Literacy Zone: Interactive Games
5-7 years
Word Wall Activities
5-9 years
Graphic Organizer Templates
5-10 years
Working with Words Help
5-10 years
Read, Write, Think: Lesson Plan Index
5-13 years

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Special Needs

Age Level

Write On (pdf)
3-5 years
Writing and Spelling
3-9 years
Tutorials for Assistive Technology Reading and Writing Products
3-18 years
Learning to Spell - A Challenge for Elementary Students with LD
6-10 years