stages of spelling and writing

precommunicative

stage 1. focus on tracing and copying letter forms. student writes nonsense and non phonetically 

semiphonetic

stage 2. some letters correspond, omits sounds and grammar is bad

phonetic

stage 3. sounds are all represented, spelling is not accurate but sentences are mostly complete 

transitional 

stage 4. some mispellings, mostly accurate

conventional

full complete sentences with accurate spelling and grammar.

pre-conventional

stage 1 ages 2-5, symbols represent letters

emergent stage

stage 2. ages 4-5, pretends to read their own writing, mock writing, random string of letters

emergent stage

stage 3. ages 5-6, writes a single letter to represent an entire word, letter formation inexact, spells more words correctly 

conventional stage 

ages 6-7. stage 4. demonstrates more control over many aspects of the writing process, increase number of known vocabulary words, more control over proper spelling of words

proficient writing

stage 5. ages 7-9. understands and is able to write for various purposes and audiences, express usage of most grammar, broad vocabulary