What development stage do most six-year-olds exhibit in their writing?

Most six-year-olds typically exhibit a stage in their writing where they create stories using invented spelling. This characteristic is part of what is known as "emergent writing," where children begin to grasp the concept of phonetics and the relationship between sounds and letters. At this age, children often write words based on their understanding of sounds rather than conventional spelling. This demonstrates their imaginative skills and their developing phonological awareness.

At six, many children are starting to express themselves through narrative and can sound out words, even if the spelling is not entirely accurate. This method allows them to communicate their ideas more effectively, showcasing a growth in both their cognitive and linguistic abilities. They are beginning to understand that written language is a way to express thoughts and stories, leading to creativity and confidence in their writing skills.

As for the other options, while some six-year-olds may occasionally use a few conventional letters or still engage in scribbling, this is less common among children who are advancing in their writing. Additionally, most will not typically be experimenting with cursive writing at this early stage; that skill generally develops later as children become more comfortable with their fine motor skills and formal writing instruction.