2.4.2

Kroll's Theory

Test yourself

Kroll's Theory: Stages 1 - 2

As with reading, there are certain ages and stages you need to know. Kroll (with development from Perera) developed a theory which is all about the skills a child uses to write:

Illustrative background for Stage 1Illustrative background for Stage 1 ?? "content

Stage 1

  • Stage 1: the preparatory stage – up to 6 years:
    • Motor skills are acquired.
    • Basic spelling system is in use.
Illustrative background for Stage 2Illustrative background for Stage 2 ?? "content

Stage 2

  • Stage 2: the consolidation stage – from 6 to 8 years:
    • Written work reflects spoken language.
    • Writing can be colloquial (or at least have many colloquialisms).
    • Declarative mood dominates.
Illustrative background for Stage 2 cont.Illustrative background for Stage 2 cont. ?? "content

Stage 2 cont.

  • Hypotaxis – use of conjunctions to join clauses.
  • Child struggles to end sentences.
  • Sentence form emerges, but often without punctuation.

Kroll's Theory: Stages 3 - 4

As with reading, there are certain ages and stages you need to know. Kroll (with development from Perera) – this theory is all about the skills a child uses to write:

Illustrative background for Stage 3Illustrative background for Stage 3 ?? "content

Stage 3

  • Stage 3: the differentiation stage – from 8 to mid-teens:
    • The differences in mode become apparent to the child – work becomes less speech-like.
    • An awareness of genre developments.
    • Structure emerges.
Illustrative background for Stage 3 cont.Illustrative background for Stage 3 cont. ?? "content

Stage 3 cont.

  • Grammar is more complex (and accurate).
  • Sentences are also more complex.
  • Punctuation is often more controlled – it is often accurate.
Illustrative background for Stage 4Illustrative background for Stage 4 ?? "content

Stage 4

  • Stage 4: the integration stage – mid-teens upwards:
    • On the whole, writing is now becoming very accurate.
    • Vocabulary is now expanded.
    • Spelling is more accurate.
Illustrative background for Stage 4 cont.Illustrative background for Stage 4 cont. ?? "content

Stage 4 cont.

  • An awareness of the audience and purpose of the writing can alter the way a piece is written.
  • A personal written style is developed.

Jump to other topics

1Language Levels

2Language, The Individual & Society

3Language Diversity & Change

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