Includes bibliographical references (pages 187-201) and indexes.
Introduction; Writing and the alphabet -- Early brain development, laterality and gender differences -- Early speech, language acquisition and related theories -- Language and thinking, and cultural and social influences on language use -- Some cognitive functions in literacy: how working memory affects reading and writing -- The development of secretarial skills: spelling, handwriting and presentation -- Stages of writing development and their evaluation -- A taxonomy of writing purposes and their pertinence for cross-curricular application -- Basic strategies for extending and enhancing self-generated writing -- Using reading to enhance writing -- Using speaking and listening and drama to stimulate writing -- Epilogue: Improving writing: an overview