Literacy development has become a primary focus in education. Much attention has been given to statistics illustrating American children's lack of achievement in this important learning domain. In an effort to increase achievement and encourage competence and success, reading initiatives have blossomed throughout the country. While this is commendable and necessary, it is also important to look at the other areas of literacy development--speaking, listening, and writing--to ensure complete development. Children develop on a continuum of milestones specifically related to writing. They are: (1) random scribbling; (2) controlled scribbling; (3) repetitive lines or patterns; (4) letter practice; (5) copy environmental print; (6) name practice; (7) invented spelling; and (8) conventional spelling. This article describes each of these developmental milestones in detail, and suggests activities teachers can use to support young children and build competence at each stage. Suggestions for providing a well equipped writing center are also provided.