Preschool Children's Interest in Early Writing Activities and Perception of Writing Experience

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Child-Centered Methods

Abstract

Early literacy research links children’s interest to early literacy development. However, it is unclear what kind of learning activities related to writing might be interesting to young children. This study directly interviewed 55 preschool children (29 girls, M = 51 months, SD = 6.70) about their preferences and experiences in writing using a structured interview protocol. Children’ responses were transcribed and coded for data analyses. Chi-square analyses showed that children showed significantly stronger interest in non-writing activities that involve meaningful themes and artistic learning materials than traditional writing activities (e.g. name writing, word writing, and teacher-guided writing). Children also showed stronger interest in digital writing than traditional writing activities, though most children did not consider them as a “writing activity.”

Authors

• Chenyi Zhang, Georgia State University

• Margaret Quinn, University of Tennessee - Knoxville

• Rihana Mason, Georgia State University

• Gary E. Bingham, Georgia State University