In one of my posts from a few years ago, I wrote about the written word. Here it is:
There is nothing I like more than a newly sharpened pencil and a blank page. It allows for the most open-ended type of writing. I also enjoy watching young children with the same tools. It is amazing to see what they will write. Yes, even if it mimics drawing, it can still be considered writing.
Writing with a pencil and a paper is very important for brain development. It is different than typing on the computer. It engages the brain in different ways, slows down the thinking, allows time for more reflection, and makes room for more creativity.
I know it is fun to see what a toddler can do on a computer and we all sort of chuckle to see how much they really know. But remember that writing originated a long time ago (first know writing is from 2600 BC) and is part of human development, and our desire to communicate. Allow time to develop computer skills but also, and most importantly, develop those paper and pencils skills. It will help with overall brain development in the long run.
Another very important aspect of the written word is writing. As stated above, writing is an essential part of our development of literacy skills, and our comprehension skills. Writing something down makes necessary connections in the brain. It is easier for us to recall and retain information when we have written it down. Something I have really exploring lately is the concepts of “drawing” versus “writing”. When young children are learning to write, often educators will encourage drawing as the first steps of writing. I disagree with this.
Drawing is drawing and conveys a certain meaning or message. But writing starts differently than drawing. Young children see the written word wherever they are. Some of it is environmental print such as signs and labels and hopefully, adults that are around the children, model handwriting for them. (I am not so sure with this technological age – which is a major disappointment for the development of our children). In the early stages of writing, children mimic what they have witnessed with scribbles and then shapes. These shapes represent their “words”. Then they move into forming certain, familiar letters of the alphabet. Eventually, they move into writing that represent language.
This is usually referred to as “invented” spelling. It is not “invented”. This gives the impression that it has originated with one person, or one group of people. The more correct term is “developmental” spelling because everyone progresses through the same stages of writing. Each person does it at their own pace. It is so important to allow children to develop through these stages so that they can learn to be literate adults who use the written word to convey meaning. Allow young children to have paper and something with which to write.
Here are stages of writing:
Retrieved March 3, 2022 from https://www.scribd.com/document/395560504/evolution-of-a-childs-writing
