Reflection 1: Stages of Writing Development
Last week, we conducted our own research on the Stages of Writing Development before the teacher introduced us to those outlined in ROG (2007). In my research, I came across the work of Teale and Sulzby (1986), which provided me with some insight into how children transition from scribbling and drawing to more conventional forms of writing. Then, our teacher later showed us the stages of ROG. It was interesting to compare what I had found with that of ROG's.
It was then, during my research, that I realized what I used to think of as “just scribbling” actually has real meaning. Teale and Sulzby describe how those early marks are a critical part of the preliterate stage, and ROG confirmed that children’s random symbols and drawings are not meaningless but are their first attempts at written communication. Before, I might have dismissed these as play, but now I see them as the very foundation of literacy.
This really changed how I think about young learners. I recognized that I have undervalued or overlooked early writing attempts in the past. Now, I want to be more deliberate in encouraging and validating each stage of writing, even if the product does not look like conventional words. For example, asking children to “read” their scribbles back to me can show them that their ideas matter and help build confidence.
Going forward, I plan to carry this perspective into my classroom. Instead of focusing only on neat writing or correct spelling, I want to support growth at every stage. This reflection reminded me that writing is not a single act but a journey, and my role is to nurture students’ creativity, confidence, and communication skills along the way.
Cami George
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This was such an insightful post! I like how you compared your own research with ROG (2007). What you said about scribbling not being “just play” made me think differently, too. Asking children to read their scribbles is such a smart idea, it really shows them that their writing matters.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection reminded me that we should value every stage of writing and encourage students to grow step by step. Thanks for sharing this, it gave me a new way to think about early writing.
Great, comprehension and retention. I humbly confess, that your post has served as a revision resource point. As I read, all the experiences during that session, came back to me, but repackaged from your perspective.
ReplyDeleteVery good parallel, you have mashed my corn, because before this course, I had a different view on scribbling. Your are correct, it is their official form of written expression at that stage. Your suggestions is rather creative and shows that your learning was deep, thereby allowing you to synthesis original thoughts on the scribbling stage in relation to writing
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