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.

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Paper: unlined paper, clean scrap paper, outdated business stationery, lined paper, greeting cards, sticky notes
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, newsletters, 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, nontoxic markers, highlighters, bingo stampers
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, ink 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 (Consider adding a picture dictionary or two languages other than English if you have children in your classroom who speak another language.)
Storage for children’s work (file folders, accordion files, binders, filing trays)
Places to display children’s writing (bulletin boards, easels, walls, doors)