Young Writer's Workshop

 

This is my pet project lately, and, I have to say, I've had so much fun putting this space together for my young writer.

When it comes to learning activities I'm a big believer in development by design. In other words, if there is something you want your child to learn, try to designate a thoughtful little spot for it in your home.

  

I think an orderly and enticing space for writing can inspire children to assemble their tools and gather their thoughts. With this in mind I cleaned up an old chicken coop we had in the basement (it had been holding tools, not chickens -- I promise that no animals were left coop-less in the name of writing) to create our new Writer's Workshop.

I filled each cubby with the writing-related tools and activities that are a good match with what Jack is doing right now. I know some of the activities will change as his skills develop, and others will grow right along with him.

Here's a peek into some of the cubbies:

 

 

 

I can give a detailed tour of all of the different activities, along with some simple how-tos, if you are interested. Let me know.

A little set up goes a long way. Jack has taken a shine to this area already, and the "Writer's Workshop" name really appeals to him. Now the next time he's ready to hatch a big idea, we'll know exactly where to find him.

Comments

[rebecca]

okay, i'm drooling over this writing center!!! and dying to know how you guys use the rolodex? personal words, maybe? keep sharing!

[Kate C.]

I'd love a detailed tour. Pretty please?

[Lynnie]

Oh My God I think if my daughter was let loose in your house she would think she had died and gone to heaven! What an awesome station, filled with fun "tools" and so attractively arranged!

My daughter spends about half of her playtime writing and it reminds me of something a professor of mine once said. "Some children learn to read by reading words, others by writing words." I do think my daughter leans towards the latter style. For example, she learning to recognize the ending "ing" because she needed it so much in writing cards. I wonder if your son is similarly "feeling out" literacy by writing, hence the focus of your blog.

Anyway, it is such a joy to read your blog and find someone just as thrilled at emerging literacy!

[Laura]

I LOVE it! So inviting.

[Amy]

I love it! Give us the complete tour! Great blog! Thank you!

[jennymama]

i'd love a detailed tour. i need help knowing what would be good for my 3 year old...just turned 3 in oct. and he's just not interested. :0(

[Rachel]

Oh how beautiful! What an inspiring space!

[Mariah@Playful Learning]

What an inspiring space that you have so thoughtfully put together. It makes me want to write:)

[CJ]

Thanks for sharing. Would love a tour.

[Jamie]

I've been reading through your blog and it is so inspiring! It's my new favorite blog. What fantastic ideas and what a beautiful life for you and your children! This idea for the old chicken coup is awesome with such cute and creative things tucked inside.

[Mary Beth]

I love it! What are the wood pieces for?

[kangaroo]

this.
is.
awesome.

[Marina (from Denmark)]

I certainly would love a tour. Thank you for sharing.

[Arelis]

"i'd love a detailed tour. i need help knowing what would be good for my 3 year old...just turned 3 in oct. and he's just not interested. :0("

Amy, That's my case too... detailed tour and suggestions would help us both :D

[erika]

I found you via the crafty crow, what a great space you made there I also would love to see and hear more about this!!

[Kayte]

I MUST know where you got the wooden pieces to form letters. I have been looking for something like that!!! I remember having something similar as a child.

[charlene prince birkeland/crazedparent]

Lovely! Would love to know where you got those little chalk boards.

[Carmen]

I agree, it is beautiful! My four year old would love it!

[DeeLight]

What a wonderful writing space. It reminds me of the writing center I had in my classroom back when I was teaching. Such a great way to encourage kids to write!!

You have a fun blog. Thanks for sharing.

[Robyn]

Amazing! Do you have a Montessori background? I would also love more details on each work. Where did you find the wooden pieces for letter formation? Thank you so much!

[Sam]

I love it. Perfect for my budding writer :-)

[Kate]

I would love a complete tour! We also use Handwriting without Tears, so we have the wooden capital letter pieces. I would love to hear how you are using them. Thanks!

[sara]

please with a tour :)

[Adrienne Penrod]

I am just so darned curious! It all looks so organized it makes *me* want to sit down and practice some words. More detailed info would be so lovely, if you please!

[lorrie]

ditto ditto please lay it out for us!