Questions: 45. In which stage of children's writing development do they first realize that meanings are expressed by written symbols? Scribbling and drawing stage The stage with writing letters The letters and spaces stage Letter-like forms and shapes

The answer is: Letter-like forms and shapes.

Explanation for each option:

1. Scribbling and drawing stage: In this initial stage, children are primarily experimenting with making marks on paper. These marks are often random and do not yet represent any specific letters or symbols. Children are exploring the physical act of writing rather than understanding that these marks can convey meaning.

2. The stage with writing letters: At this stage, children begin to write actual letters, but they may not yet fully understand that these letters represent specific sounds or meanings. They are learning the shapes of letters and how to form them, but the connection to meaning is still developing.

3. The letters and spaces stage: In this more advanced stage, children start to understand that letters form words and that spaces are used to separate these words. They are beginning to grasp the concept of written language as a way to convey meaning, but this understanding is more developed than in the earlier stages.

4. Letter-like forms and shapes: This is the stage where children first start to realize that the marks they make can represent specific meanings. They begin to create shapes and forms that resemble letters, even if they are not accurate. This stage marks the beginning of their understanding that written symbols can convey meaning, which is a crucial step in their writing development.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Letter-like forms and shapes" as it is the stage where children first realize that meanings are expressed by written symbols.