Primary Children’s Concepts About Writing

Abstract

Primary children’s concepts about writing were investigated with the use of an unstructured series of interview questions. This survey elicited information from Grade 1 and Grade 2 children on their perceptions concerning the general purposes of writing, personal preferences about writing activities, and self-concepts in relation to writing. The majority of the children were aware of the communicative nature of writing. Their writing preferences centered around at-home activities, and they relied on home help rather than teacher assistance. These findings indicate that children’s attitudes are an important dimension in understanding their writing development.