This digest reviews children's writing development from socio-cultural, generative, and developmental perspectives. The digest's first section deals with oral language, art, and children's early writing, noting that children use their drawing and talk to support their early exploration and use of print. The second section examines how, in addition to speech and drawing, play also characterizes children's early writing development. In the third section, the digest suggests that children often use their own names for their further learning in writing. The final section discusses learning to write in the elementary school years. It considers the changes that occur in children's writing as they actively explore various forms and functions, interact with other more competent writers in their community, and develop their awareness of an audience. (Contains 24 references.) (SR)