Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

In promoting writing development for emergent writers, what should a teacher primarily encourage?

1. Write grammatically complete sentences

2. Form letters clearly and correctly

3. Write often for various real purposes

4. Achieve conventional spelling early

The correct answer is: Write often for various real purposes

Encouraging emergent writers to write often for various real purposes is fundamental in promoting their writing development. This approach nurtures a love for writing and helps students see it as a meaningful form of communication rather than just a task to complete. When children write frequently, they can experiment with different styles, formats, and contexts, allowing them to understand the diverse ways writing can be used in their lives. Writing for real purposes engages students in authentic tasks, which fosters motivation and relevance in their efforts. This could involve writing letters to family members, creating stories based on their experiences, or even maintaining a journal. Such activities also provide opportunities for teachers to model writing conventions and discuss aspects of writing such as audience and purpose, thus supporting a comprehensive development in literacy skills. While forming letters clearly and correctly, writing grammatically complete sentences, and achieving conventional spelling are important aspects of writing, they are more focused on the mechanics of writing rather than fostering the love and purpose behind it. Prioritizing writing for real purposes helps solidify a foundation that ultimately supports more advanced skills, leading to greater engagement and proficiency in writing over time.