Which indicator describes writing mock letters or letter-like forms?

• A. Writes segments of letter forms
• B. Writes mock letters or letter-like forms
• C. Writes letter strings
• D. Writes letters in conventional order

Answer: (B)

In early writing, children begin to use symbols to represent language, even if the symbols aren’t real letters yet. Writing mock letters or letter-like forms shows that the child is experimenting with shapes that resemble letters to convey meaning, which is a sign of emergent writing. This behavior directly demonstrates the use of symbol-like marks to represent language, even without knowing actual letter names or correct sequencing.

The other possibilities describe more advanced or different stages: producing segments of letter forms focuses on parts of letters rather than whole symbolic marks; writing letter strings implies familiarity with actual letters and forming sequences; and writing letters in conventional order requires knowing the alphabet and applying correct order.