Pre-writing Center

from the Teachers.Net Early Childhood Chatboard
http://teachers.net/mentors/early_childhood

The question posted by C_D_S on the
Teachers.Net Early Childhood Chatboard

I teach public pre-k for 4 year olds, and I was just wondering what things you include in your pre-writing centers. So far I have just given my kids markers, crayons and white drawing paper and let them draw what they want, or I give them a suggestion related to our topic, and I ask them to practice printing their name. However, they are getting bored with it, and I'm looking for some ways to make it more interesting. Any suggestions?
Thanks! C_D_S

Rachel/PK responded:
You can vary what you put out each day or week. Here are some ideas:

• small chalk boards or white boards
• rubber stamps and ink pads (especially alphabet letter stamps)
• stencils
• colored tape (available through Discount School Supply)
• scissors
• assorted stickers
• envelopes
• hole punches
• markers
• pencils
• crayons
• booklets
• stationery
• typewriter (my 3's LOVE our typewriter!!!)
• Magnadoodle/Etch-a-sketch
• assorted paper
• glue sticks

I know there is so much more, but that's all I can come up with off the top of my head.

Another fun idea is to make an office area. Have a small table or desk with a calendar hung near it and a play phone, calculator, small receipt books, address books and forms, paper, etc. Rachel

Carol responded:
Rachel you have a wonderful list start.

Think much broader for your writing center. I have materials for making books with the children and their own. Different types of paper and sizes, wallpaper book samples for book covers, staples, glue sticks, yarn, brads.

I have different sizes of clipboards and paper in the writing area but also in the block area, house area and the science/math area.

Each child and staff member has their own journal. They are available throughout the day and especially during journal/individual reading time. We have folders with 3 prongs in them which were donated. You can make jounals using construction paper and copy paper stapled together. It is important the children are given an opportunity to read what they wrote.

It is also important that the staff in the room model how to use the materials in the area and all writing attempts are accepted.