Each of the stages can be supported through use of early childhood software. The first stage, scribbling, involves random marks that occur on a page with drawings. To encourage children at this stage, adults can offer blank paper and writing tools and talk with children about their writing. Simple drawing programs offer children opportunities to work with a variety of tools to make marks. The next stage, mock handwriting, often appears with drawings.
Children produce lines of wavy scribbles.
This stage resembles cursive writing and may be revisited at a later time. In the third stage of children s writing, mock letters, children make letter-like shapes that resemble conventional alphabet letters. Support children who are at this stage by providing different kinds of writing materials, including typewriters and computers. Real letters of the alphabet begin to appear as children use conventional letters. The first word to appear is usually the child's own first name.