Barclay's seven stages of writing development

1. Scibbling (up to age 3)

Random marks

doesn’t resemble letters

2. Mock handwriting (aged 3-4)

Mimics writing but not readable

wavy lines and shapes

3. Mock letters (aged 3-4)

Letter-like shapes but no understanding of spacing

4. conventional letter (4-5)

Matching sounds with symbols

Often writing their own name

spacing is inconsistent

5. Invented spelling (aged 5-6)

Children spell phonetically rather than correctly

Simple high-frequency words may be correct

6. Appropriate spelling (aged 6-7)

Sentences become more complex

writing becomes more legible

showing an awareness of standard spelling patterns

7. correct spelling (aged 7+)

Most words are spelt correctly

writing is legible

potential development for joint-up handwriting

1

scribbling (3-4)

2

Mock handwriting (3-4)

3

Mock letters (3-4)

4

conventional

5

inventive

6

appropriate

7

correct spelling