What approach should a teacher take to support McKenzie in her writing development?

The approach of reassuring McKenzie that spelling phonetically is acceptable for now is essential in supporting her writing development. This method fosters a positive and encouraging learning environment, allowing her to engage in the writing process without the fear of making mistakes. By validating her attempts at spelling, even if they are not conventionally accurate, the teacher helps build McKenzie’s confidence in her writing abilities. This is crucial at this stage of her development, as overemphasis on correct spelling can lead to frustration and might discourage her from expressing her thoughts and ideas freely.

Allowing phonetic spelling practices encourages creativity and flow in writing, enabling her to focus on content and ideas rather than getting bogged down by the mechanics of spelling. It promotes the notion that writing is a process and that skill in spelling will develop over time with practice and encouragement. Thus, this supportive approach not only aids her current writing efforts but also sets a foundation for future growth in her literacy skills.