Which indicator describes 'Writes letter strings'?

• A. Writes to convey ideas and information
• B. Uses drawing, dictation, and mock letters to convey a message
• C. Writes letter strings
• D. Counts to 10

Answer: (C)

Understanding early writing development means looking for signals that a child is moving from drawing or scribbling toward producing actual written strings. When a child writes letter strings, it shows they grasp that written symbols carry meaning and can be arranged in a left-to-right sequence to convey a message. This indicates awareness of letter sounds and basic print concepts, even if the strings don’t yet form conventional words.

That makes this indicator the best choice because it is a direct demonstration of writing with letters, rather than simply conveying a message through other means or performing unrelated skills. The other indicators describe broader or different stages—writing with a clear purpose, using multiple modalities to communicate, or an entirely different skill like counting—which don’t specifically capture the act of producing letters in sequence.