A study investigated how young children use the word processor as a tool in their development as writers. Forty children, ages 4 through 7, from a university laboratory school in a small midwestern community, participated in the study. Videotapings and audiotapings during writing events served as the primary means of data collection. These were supported with children's written language productions from the computer printer and field notes from informal teacher interviews. Analysis of the children's writing behaviors with the word processor was based on Piaget's cognitive development theory applied to written language learning. Features of children's written language were classified according to Marie Clay's beginning writing concepts and principles. Children's writing development correlated with findings from studies of young children learning to write with traditional instruments. Features of their writing paralleled many of Clay's concepts and principles of early writing development. Findings supported Clay's research and imply that young children can use the word processor in a creative writing program to promote their developing writing abilities in many ways and in different ways at different stages of their development. (One figure and four tables of data are included, and 100 references are attached.) (Author/SR)