ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book investigates what is involved in learning to write, identifying developmental stages that children move through in learning to write. It considers links between learning to write and children's personal, social and emotional development and the importance of play in supporting children's learning. The book describes the classroom research undertaken by practitioners during the boys' writing projects, showing how they adapted their provision to match the learning needs and styles of individual children. It also considers how 'listening to children' can help practitioners to support children's confidence and motivation as writers, as they develop their writer's voice. The book explores the complex role of the adult in building up children's confidence, motivating all children to write and teaching writing skills in a creative and playful environment.
