What is the primary focus of the preliterate stage in children's writing development?

The primary focus of the preliterate stage in children's writing development is understanding concepts of print. During this stage, young children begin to develop foundational knowledge about how print works, which includes recognizing that print carries meaning, understanding the directionality of text (left to right, top to bottom), and distinguishing between letters, words, and sentences. They learn the characteristics of print, such as spacing and punctuation, which are essential for further literacy skills. This understanding lays the groundwork for later reading and writing skills, as children start to make connections between spoken language and written text. This stage is crucial for fostering a positive and constructive relationship with literacy as children advance to more complex reading and writing tasks.