Writing with a computer: An invitation to play

Abstract

Although language play has generally been viewed as speech play, children also enjoy playing with language in written form. The computer offers children an opportunity to actively experiment with print in novel ways. During computer play, children's oral and written language provides insights into cognitive development and language learning. At the Developmental Research School at Florida State University, kindergarten children have been observed producing written language forms using a word processing program which allows them to electronically create and explore text. Researchers there have noted varying developmental stages in children as they spontaneously and playful interact with the computer to produce words and stories that approximate traditional language conventions. Additionally, they have noted that word processing and keyboard functions have prompted children to explore language in computer‐specific ways. This language play facilitates children's systematic organization of print, their formulating and testing of language hypotheses, and the stimulation and development of symbolic thought.