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Tip Sheets

“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• Paper: unlined paper, clean scrap paper, outdated business stationery, lined paper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 following Web resources may give you more ideas for creating a writing center.

• Encouraging Young Children's Writing
  http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1991/maehr91.html
• Easy Ways for Families to Help Children Learn
  http://www.nwrel.org/cfc/publications/pdf/ways.PDF
• Writing Materials for Children
  http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/reading/li1lk58.htm
• Reading and Writing Play Materials
  http://www.ed.gov/Family/RSRforFamily/reading.html
• Write and Talk, Too
  http://readyweb.crc.uiuc.edu/virtual-library/1993/read/writetk.html
• IEL Interactive Chat: Encouraging Literacy Development in Preschoolers
  http://illinoisearlylearning.org/chat/scott/index.htm

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.

Spanish: El poder del lápiz: ¡Permita que los niños escojan los centros de escritura!

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