What is a primary concern when children learn to write by copying a model?

When children learn to write by copying a model, a primary concern is that they might develop incorrect letter formation habits. Copying without proper guidance can lead to the repetition of errors, where a child mimics the shapes of letters without understanding the underlying structure and technique required for accurate writing. Over time, these incorrect habits can become ingrained, making it challenging for children to break away from poor writing practices later on. This is crucial in emergent literacy, as foundational skills in writing are essential for a child's future literacy development. The focus should be on providing effective modeling and corrective feedback to ensure that children are forming letters correctly, which supports their ongoing writing proficiency and confidence.