RM> Now... The approximated spelling "problem" which many here
 RM> refer to is NOT a natural development; it is the result of
 RM> a concerted effort, not to improve spelling, but to promote
 RM> early writing.  
EL> Ah but it is and THE point is that it lasts a very short time.
As I said above, the "problem" many here cite is NOT the
same thing as what you and Dan refer to; it is an outgrowth
of an attempt to promote early writing, and an attempt to
avoid decreasing self-esteeme.  It is the continuation of,
often in the absence of any attempt at correction, invented
spelling.  Dan picked up on what I meant here - This is NOT
the temporary missteps of a starting speller, which is what
you and Dan are discussing....
 RM> The question, to me, is WHY are we pushing
 RM> for early writing?  Are we seeing improved writing as a 
 RM> result?  Are we seeing greater literacy, reading levels,
EL> Are you then going to stop every child who picks up a pencil
EL> simply because they haven't been to school yet? Most early 
EL> writers are copying good role models (probably mum and dad 
EL> and older siblings) so they think they are writing too... 
Again, I'm not referring to kids who "pick up a pencil" and
want to write; I'm referring to an entire class of students
who are "encouraged" to write regardless of their ability
to do so, or to spell properly, and who are not really
corrected in their spelling...
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