DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF SPELLING
Scribbling- Children use a combination of scribbles and word writing. Scribble writers create a text that to them represents writing. Letters are not discernible but show some evidence of over all form (scribble lists look like lists.)
Pre-communicative- Children begin to “mock write” actual letters or approximations; however, it does not look like conventional writing. These writers use upper-case letters most of the time and emulate the script of their culture or group. Occasionally they use actual letters that are familiar to them and compose lists, descriptions, and messages.
Semi-phonetic- Children begin to recognize that there is a relationship between letters of the alphabet and sound words. They select letters to represent sounds they hear. They usually show control of directionality.
Phonetic- Children are able to map most words they write. They use both upper and lower case letters and select spellings that match sounds. They correctly spell words they know.
Transitional- Children are moving from mostly phonetic writing to a more conventional writing incorporating refined grammar. They attempt to create syllables with vowel placement, use blends and inflectional endings. They are becoming more accurate with possessives and punctuation.
Conventional- Children are able to use accepted spelling for most words. They use descriptive writing and comparatives. They seek correct spelling and are able to interpret information in their own words in writing.