What Did I Write?: Beginning Writing Behaviour : Book Review

"What Did I Write?: Beginning Writing Behavior" by Marie M. Clay is an insightful and practical book that offers valuable advice for teachers and parents on how to support and understand the writing development of young children. As a celebrated author and expert in literacy acquisition, Clay provides a comprehensive analysis of the various stages of writing development, from scribbles to conventional writing.

One of the key messages conveyed in the book is the importance of acknowledging and appreciating young children's early attempts at writing, regardless of their accuracy or legibility. Clay emphasizes the need for a supportive and stimulating writing environment that encourages creativity and exploration.

Clay also delves into the different behaviors and strategies young children exhibit during the writing process, such as letter-like forms, random letter sequences, and invented spelling. She explains how these behaviors signify important milestones in a child's writing journey and offers practical advice on how educators and caregivers can build upon these initial attempts to promote further growth.

Another significant aspect addressed in the book is the role of oral language development in relation to writing proficiency. Clay highlights the interconnectedness between speaking and writing and provides practical suggestions for enhancing language and vocabulary skills, which, in turn, contribute to improved writing abilities.

Overall, "What Did I Write?: Beginning Writing Behavior" is a valuable resource for individuals involved in early childhood education or literacy instruction. Clay's vast expertise is evident as she offers accessible strategies and insights that can assist in fostering the writing development of young children. Her practical advice, combined with her emphasis on the importance of creating a supportive and engaging writing environment, makes this book an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to support and nurture the writing skills of young learners.

What are readers saying?

The book "What Did I Write" written by Marie M. Clay has garnered a mix of opinions from readers. Some readers found the content to be informative and appreciated the author's expertise in the field of literacy education. They found the book valuable, particularly for educators and parents seeking practical advice and strategies to support young children's writing development.

On the other hand, there were readers who expressed disappointment with the book. They felt that it lacked depth and was too focused on a specific audience, namely educators and researchers. The content didn't seem accessible to general readers, and they wished for more concrete examples and practical tips that could be easily put into practice.

Critics also mentioned issues with the organization and structure of the book. They felt that the ideas presented in "What Did I Write" were not well-arranged, which made it challenging to follow the author's argument and connect different aspects of the book.

However, despite the mixed reviews, many readers acknowledged Marie M. Clay's expertise and contributions in the field of literacy education. They found value in her insights and theories relating to the writing process and how it connects to other aspects of literacy.

Overall, "What Did I Write" has received a range of opinions from readers. While some readers appreciate the author's knowledge and informative content, others feel that the book lacks depth and accessibility. Despite the criticisms, there is a recognition of Marie M. Clay's expertise, making this book a valuable resource for those interested in literacy education.

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