Playful Learning: Creating a Writing Center (giveaway included)

Update: This giveaway is now closed. It was fun to see all of the excitement about Mariah's book and e course.  The winners below have been contacted regarding their gifts.  Thanks for your participation!

 Katie (book winner) comment  #49

 Cindy (e course) comment #45

Today we are thrilled to introduce you to Mariah Bruel, the author of Playful Learning: Develop Your Child's Sense of Wonder and Joy.  We are honored to be part of her blog tour.  She is a creative teacher and talented writer.  Find out more about Playful Learning by checking out her site.

Creating A Writing Center

It never ceases to amaze me how a well stocked, organized writing center, inspires spontaneous writing among young children. The goal is to create a space that invites a variety of impromptu writing experiences for your child. By having an area dedicated to providing writing tools, papers, and a place to work children can independently write lists, letters, stories, or books—building writing skills through authentic and engaging writing experiences.

Creating a writing area in your home or classroom does not need to be complicated or overwhelming. By simply leaving out a few interesting writing supplies  you can inspire the young writers in your life. Here is a helpful list of some fun materials you can add to your child's writing area...

•       A variety of writing papers printed on colorful, playful paper (download the Nurturing Young Authors printables here) 
•       Alphabet Chart
•       Blank note cards and envelopes
•       Sticky notes
•       Blank books 
•       Assortment of fun pens and pencils 
•       Fine point permanent markers
•       Fine point black markers
•       Colored pencils
•       Alphabet stickers
•       Alphabet stamps
•       Interesting hole and paper punches
•       Tape
•       Glue sticks
•       Scissors
•       Erasers
•       Pencil Sharpener

One of my favorite ways to create interesting writing areas for children is to think "out of the box" when it comes to the storage, organization and display of the materials. I love it when I can re-purpose items I already have on hand. Below are some images of storage solutions that can be created by using everyday household items.

Magazine racks and file holders make great displays for a variety of writing papers.

If you have limited space, I recommend filling a utensil caddy with pens, pencils, and other interesting writing materials. Most caddies are big enough to hold blank cards and books as well. Simply place the caddy on your coffee table and watch the writing begin! Caddies are also great for moving from room to room or even outside when the inspiration strikes.

A wire fruit basket along with some buckets cab be used to house scissors, hole punches, tape, pens, pencils and glitter glue. Napkin holders also make great holders for blank cards, envelopes or list paper.

Hooks and buckets are an easy and inexpensive way to make use of open wall space above a table or desk.

Here are some more "out of the box" sources of inspiration...

• Tin Can Caddy
• Peg Board (my new favorite)
• Pen Cups
• Simple Wood Box
• More Tin Cans Here and Here

GIVEAWAY

After spending time reading and re-reading my copy of Playful Learning I am especially excited to be joining Mariah this fall for her Playful Learning Spaces E-Course.  While taking the course I will be sharing brief tidbits here on ABC & 123 during our bi-weekly Show and Tell feature.  However, I would love for as many of you to join me as possible.    

Mariah, and her publisher Shambhla Publications, are offering 2 great resources as giveaways to you!  

~1FREE admission to the 6-week e-course (value $125)

~1 copy of the book 

Areyou  as excited as I am about either of these opportunities?  Please leave a comment here to be entered into the random drawing.  If you would specify whether you are interested in the book, the e-course, or both that would be helpful.  Comments will close on this giveaway on Tuesday, September 6th and the winner will be notified immediately.

If you are interested in reading more, here are other stops on the Playful Learning blog tour!

8/17  Sew Liberated
8/18  The Artful Parent
8/19  Ohdeedoh
8/22  Let the Children Play
8/23  Simple Kids
8/24  Spell Outloud
8/25  Not Just Cute
8/26  Make and Takes
8/29  ABC 123
8/30  Modern Parents Messy Kids
8/31  A Bit of This and a Bit of That
9/1   Adventures in Mommydom
9/2   Inspiration Surrounds, Creativity Abounds
9/5   Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
9/6   Tinker Lab
9/7   Helping Little Hands