ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how Early Years practitioners can help children learn to recognise and value writing for different purposes as they play. It investigates how writing for a purpose in play gives children the motivation and confidence to write independently and explores the conventions and properties of our writing system. The chapter looks at some inspiring writing opportunities and provocations that project practitioners provided for children. During the writing projects, practitioners set out to challenge the boys' lack of interest in writing and their lack of self-belief and motivation. They created playful representations of real-life reasons to write which helped children to make links between the world of writing and their own experience. Practitioners came up with creative ideas for writing for many different purposes and children were constantly seen mark making and writing in all areas of the provision, inside and outside.
