Writing Development Checklist

Stage 1
•	Child scribbles
Stage 2
•	Writes with curvy lines
•	Writes cursive m’s
•	Writes small circles
•	Writes vertical lines
Stage 3
•	Arranges letters in different ways to indicate different 
letters
Stage 4
•	Traces and copies letters and words
•	Uses mock letters and symbols
Stage 5
•	Uses random lettering
•	Labels pictures
•	Makes lists of words
•	Uses temporary spelling
•	Child writes one letter for each syllable heard
Stage 6
•	Uses more alphabet letters
•	Vowels appear
•	Temporary spelling becomes closer to standard spelling
Stage 7
•	Uses conventional spelling for the most part