From ERIC clearing house....have sent for several docs...thought the 
Abstract an interesting read and is says a lot too!!
Identifiers: Emergent Literacy Writing Development
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to show that children go through 
writing stages while learning to write. Understanding these stages can 
help children become more effective writers in expressing feelings, 
memories, and concerns to gain recognition with themselves and others. A 
literature review examined stages of writing and long-term results from 
using invented spelling. It is clearly shown (Marietta Hurst et al., 
1983) that most children do go through stages in their writing. Not all 
children go through stages at the same time and some children may even 
skip a stage, but children's writings nevertheless show what stage of 
writing they are in for that piece of writing. Also, the stages of 
writing are not always labeled the same from researcher to researcher
but a correspondence between the stages they identify is nevertheless 
evident. Research also shows that invented spelling is important for 
children because it allows them to take risks and write without the fear 
of making mistakes. J. Barnhart and E. Sulzby (1986) show that children, 
no matter what their socioeconomic status, begin to make transitions 
over to conventional spelling with little threat. Hipple's research 
(1985) shows that even when children regress, they still develop
when it is appropriate for them to do so. D. Richgels (1995) found that 
good invented spellers were also good readers. Children, who write 
intending to convey a message, can read and reread their own invented 
spelling writings almost the same every time. (Contains 12 references.) 
(TB) Geographic Source: U.S.; Washington Clearinghouse No.: CS214872
Publication Type: 070 Publication Date: 1995 EDRS Price: EDRS Price - 
MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Paper Price:$ 3.97 Microfiche Price:$ 1.34
EJ434229
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CMPQwk 1.42 445p
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