IEL Tip Sheets. The Power of the Pen: Let Children Choose Writing Centers!

Illinois Early Learning Project

Montage Illinois Early Learning Project  
www.illinoisearlylearning.org
header
 Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor

IEL Menu

About IEL
Illinois Early Learning Standards
Tip Sheets
Other Resources
Calendar
Questions
Ask an Expert
Contact
Search
Site Map
Home
— Español —
—Polish—
Strony z Poradami
 
Illinois Home

[Search Tips]
blank

Resources on Early Learning

Tip Sheets

The Power of the Pen:
Let Children Choose Writing Centers!

“Y-E-S. N-O. L-O-V-E. H-E-L-P.” When children see the power of written words, they want to write, too. A “writing center” gives children easy access to writing materials and lets them enjoy a variety of activities while they learn skills that will help them become confident, competent writers—and meet language arts benchmarks.

What are the basics of making a writing center?

  • A quiet space with seats for two or more at desks or a table
  • Paper: unlined paper, clean scrap paper, outdated business stationery, lined paper
  • Pencils, pens, crayons, chalk, erasers (NOTE: Some children work best with larger crayons or thick pencils. Others do better with thinner pencils or crayons.)
  • An alphabet chart with capital and lowercase printed letters, plus numerals
  • Print samples: greeting cards, calendars, newspapers, magazines, handwritten messages, coupons

What other materials might encourage children to visit the writing center?

  • Clipboards: purchased or made from stiff cardboard and two paperclips
  • Colored pencils and nontoxic markers
  • Special papers: envelopes, colored paper, graph paper, postcards, index cards, appointment books, message pads, labels
  • Office supplies: tape, paperclips, stapler, brads, hole punch, scissors
  • Canceled postage stamps, promotional stamps
  • Rubber stamps of letters and words, stamp pads
  • Chalkboard, whiteboard, Magna-Doodle, Etch-A-Sketch (These tools save paper and allow children to easily erase “mistakes.”)
  • Magnetic letters or words; alphabet blocks; letters made of wood, sandpaper, or plastic
  • Picture dictionary
  • Storage for children’s work (file folders, accordion files, binders)
  • Places to display children’s writing

When might a child use a writing center?

  • When she selects writing as an activity during choice time
  • When he wants to create signs, tickets, or other props for dramatic play
  • When she wants to make a message for a friend or family member
  • When using centers is part of the daily schedule
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided in this Tip Sheet are intended for information purposes only and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise parents to seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with questions regarding their child’s health or medical conditions.

Home | About IEL | Resources | Calendar | Questions | Ask an Expert | Contact | Search
Acerca de IEL | Recursos | Calendario | Preguntas | Pregunte a un perito | Contáctenos | Búsqueda

Illinois State Board of EducationNOTE: There may be publications on this page that are available as PDF (portable document format) files. To be able to read these files, download the free Adobe Reader.

IEL Features

IEL Electronic Newsletter
Take the IEL Survey

IEL Quick Links

Benchmarks
Benchmark Videos
Parenting Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask Dr. Katz
The Project Approach
Illinois Organizations
Early Learning Web Links
Early Childhood Initiatives
IEL Workshops and Exhibits

Related Web Site

Gateways to Opportunity