ABSTRACT
Learning to write is vital if we are to take part successfully in the adult world. When we are at ease with the written word, we can gather and retain ideas and information, we can create and enjoy stories and communicate simple and complex messages with others. But the importance of writing isn’t obvious to very young children. They learn how to ‘join the literacy club’ (Smith, 1988) from positive, caring role models who are already part of the club: family members, friends and people in the community who write for all kinds of purposes as part of their working and home life.
