In our Unit Study Tools we recommend waiting to teach formal writing because often children are asked to write before they have developed the ability to do so. This can result in frustration and leave a child with a negative attitude about writing, which can be difficult to change. We do introduce writing a little earlier than third grade in our Daily Lesson Plans because we felt that some of our children were ready to begin writing earlier than third grade. However, as with reading, children develop at different rates. If your child demonstrates a desire to write, by all means, encourage it! You should still evaluate the written work so your child doesn’t develop bad habits that will have to be fixed later, which can also lead to frustration. So we suggest caution if you begin writing earlier than third grade; ease into it and see how your child responds.