Examines the historical background of children's invented spelling, describes and exemplifies the stages of spelling development, and discusses current research concerning the effects of the use of invented spelling on learning to read. Explores the development of invented spelling in journal writing and articulates ways to foster children's…

Discusses 10 often-asked questions regarding writing and young children, synthesizing current research on developmental writing stages, information from experienced classroom teachers, and observations from a variety of early childhood settings. (SR)

Discusses children's use of invented spelling and explores developmental considerations in learning to spell. Suggests characteristics of an effective spelling program, including 60 to 75 minutes of instruction allocated over a 3- to 4-day cycle, and use of test-study sequences for directed word study. (ET)

Outlines a theory of developmental spelling, evolved from research on children's invented spellings, that can show teachers when best to teach aspects of spelling. Provides examples and several minilessons of the alternative approach to spelling instruction called Word Study, whereby words are examined by sound, by within-word patterns, and by…

Argues that literacy teachers should take letter play seriously in conjunction with invented spelling to help their students learn how letters and sounds relate. (RS)

Noting that educators need to capture the interest of primary students early on to make lifelong writers out of them, this paper discusses ways to encourage the writing process in the primary grades. The paper discusses the philosophy of the writing process, what experts say about writing, setting up the environment, writing with lower primary…

Expresses frustration concerning teachers relying on reading activities about stories, rather than on the stories themselves. Discusses: parents reacting to their children's choice of stories; using stories on video; stories for children reading below grade level; lack of confidence in the power of stories; whole language and writing; invented…

Teachers need to stay abreast of the latest trends in the language arts to offer an updated curriculum. The language arts areas are vital in each academic discipline and integrate well with diverse subject matter areas. Some common trends when reading the literature on teaching the language arts are: portfolios; journaling; computerized reading…

Noting that children's perceptions of literacy and of themselves as learners differ from those of adults, this book documents how Sarah, from the ages of 2 to 5 years, understood literacy and invented reading and writing for herself. Numerous reading and writing samples in the book, organized around broad research questions, present Sarah as an…