Cynthia S. Puranik|Yaacov Petscher|Christopher J. Lonigan
Learning to write letters: Examination of student and letter factors
University of Pittsburgh|Florida State University|Florida State University
learning write letters alphabet important part learning write conventionally study investigated critical factors development letterwriting skills using exploratory item response models simultaneously account variance responses due differences students letters letterwriting skills assessed 415 preschool children aged 3 5 years student level examined contribution lettername knowledge lettersound knowledge phonological awareness letterwriting skills letter level examined seven intrinsic extrinsic factors understanding preschool children learn write alphabet letters first letter name letters name letter order textual frequency number strokes symmetry letter type results indicated variation letterwriting skills accounted differences students rather differences letters variability accounted lettername knowledge age although significant contribution lettersound knowledge phonological awareness relatively small studentlevel mechanisms underlying acquisition letterwriting skills similar mechanisms underlying learning letter sounds however letter characteristics appear play major role learning letter names letter sounds appear influence learning write letters substantial way exception letter childs name