Confirms findings of previous studies by linguists C. Chomsky and C. Read on spontaneous spelling by preschoolers. Four basic stages of this process in logical developmental sequence are described. This activity is seen as giving some children a chance to express their ideas independently, and as stimulating purposeful thinking about sounds and symbols. It is concluded that this activity is interesting and suitable for young children before formal writing or spelling instruction, and does not interfere with the later learning of correct spelling
