Purpose
Writing centers are a fantastic tool in the classroom. Children are able to put words to images they recognize or the language they hear everyday. Writing centers should:
- Develop fine motor skills
- Refine writing skills
- Refine reading skills
- Practice multiple literacies
- Strengthen connection between though and physical representation
Cross Curricular Content
Of all the different areas perhaps writing is the best example of cross center and curricular content. In all centers students should on some level be given the ability and access to writing in some form. In dramatic play it may be making lists or signs, in science it may be in an observation journal or it may simply be writing their name.
Materials
- Lined and unlined paper
- Envelopes
- Pencils, markers, crayons
- Imagery for inspiration
- Letter models
- Picture dictionary
- Posters of high frequency words
- Folders for student work
- old typewriter and new technology for writing
- Samples of writing
- Recycling
- Sticky notes
- Dry erase boards and markers
References
Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning. (2015). Learning through play retrieved from https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/childhood/time_for_joy/chapter6.pdf
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