Barclay's Theory
English Language: AQA A Level, topic 2.4.3
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Stage 5
- Stage 5: Invented spelling
- Phonetic spelling dominates.
- Words which are familiar and simple are often spelled correctly.
Stage 6
- Stage 6: Appropriate spelling
- Complexity arises in sentences.
- Standard spelling is now more apparent.
- Writing is now quite legible.
Stage 7
- Stage 7: Correct spelling
- Spelling is now more accurate than not.
- Cursive font is now common.
Test yourself on Barclay's Theory
Barclay's Theory: Stage 1 - 3
Which stage of Barclay's theory is mock handwriting?
In which stage of Barclay's model is cursive font now common?
Barclay's Theory: Stage 4 - 7
In which stage of Barclay's model does phonetic spelling dominate?