ABSTRACT
Children learn social conventions by imitating actions and behaviours that they see around them. Similarly, they learn about writing by seeing people use writing for a variety of personal and social functions and purposes (Ferreiro and Teberosky, 1982). In this chapter, we find out how Early Years practitioners can help children learn to recognize and value writing for different purposes as they play. We then investigate how writing for a purpose in play gives children the motivation and confidence to write independently and explore the conventions and properties of our writing system. Finally, we look at some inspiring writing opportunities and provocations that project practitioners provided for children.
