2.4.3

Barclay's Theory

Test yourself

Barclay's Theory: Stage 1 - 3

As with reading, there are certain ages and stages you need to know. Barclay – this theory is all about orthography and graphology:

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

Stage 1

  • Stage 1: Scribbling
    • Any marks on the paper are random and are not letters or words.
    • Control of the pen is unsure.
    • The child talks through what they are doing as they are doing it.
Illustrative background for Stage 2Illustrative background for Stage 2 ?? "content

Stage 2

  • Stage 2: Mock handwriting
    • Lots of shapes now forming…
    • … though not actually fully comprehendible.
    • Pseudo-letters (letter-like shapes) begin to form – at this point, writing and writing skills become emergent.
Illustrative background for Stage 3Illustrative background for Stage 3 ?? "content

Stage 3

  • Stage 3: Mock letters
    • Letters are now formed…
    • … but not as words – these are just random letters.
    • Spacing is irregular – can sometimes have huge gaps and sometimes be cursive.

Barclay's Theory: Stage 4 - 7

As with reading, there are certain ages and stages you need to know. Barclay – this theory is all about orthography and graphology:

Illustrative background for Stage 4Illustrative background for Stage 4 ?? "content

Stage 4

  • Stage 4: Conventional letters
    • Sounds are now linked to letters.
    • Spacing still isn’t there.
    • Sometimes words are reduced to the initial-position consonant – e.g. ‘g’ for goat.
Illustrative background for Stage 5Illustrative background for Stage 5 ?? "content

Stage 5

  • Stage 5: Invented spelling
    • Phonetic spelling dominates.
      • Words which are familiar and simple are often spelled correctly.
Illustrative background for Stage 6Illustrative background for Stage 6 ?? "content

Stage 6

  • Stage 6: Appropriate spelling
    • Complexity arises in sentences.
    • Standard spelling is now more apparent.
    • Writing is now quite legible.
Illustrative background for Stage 7Illustrative background for Stage 7 ?? "content

Stage 7

  • Stage 7: Correct spelling
    • Spelling is now more accurate than not.
    • Cursive font is now common.

Jump to other topics

1Language Levels

2Language, The Individual & Society

3Language Diversity & Change

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson