Research in writing, preschool through elementary, 1983-2003

Abstract

The focus of this article is the research literature in written composition from early childhood through the elementary years, typically the end of sixth grade. Some research prior to 1984 is discussed, particularly in topics that were not included in Hillocks (1986), such as emergent writing. The definition of “composition” has expanded over the last decade; thus, while focusing primarily on writing, this article pays attention to other modalities (e.g., relations between drawing and writing) and includes not only writing but also other mediating tools (e.g., drawing, talking, computers) that are used in or for composition.