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

[erika]

I saw your blogand thislittle writing corner yesterday and was so inspiredthat I made one for my two girls http://www.mikodesign.blogspot.com
thanks for sharing your idea :-)

[amy]

It is beautiful! I see some Handwriting Without Tears items. We use those too!

[Mary]

please share more I'd love to know what you use all the stuff for. It looks great.

[Cassie]

I need to know more! Please share all.

[Karen]

Add me to the list of those who would love a tour of materials and activities. I'd also love to know to know where you got (or how you made) the letter pieces.

[Kayte]

Fellow commenter Kate- Thanks for the tip on The Handwriting without Tears for the wooden letter parts.. I ordered a set this morning...

[amber]

i love your blog & get so inspired by you. my youngest daughter just turned 3 & is very interested in letters...and i owe most of the credit to you.

after seeing your bowl of letters, i ordered her a bunch of little wooden letters & put them in a bowl on her table to play with. they are one of her favorite things to do now & are always out in easy reach. she lays them out & tells me what they say each time. thanks for the inspiration!!

& i love the chicken coop & want one really bad so i yet can again imitate you!! :)

[Anna]

Please share more! I love the space you have created.

[PlanningQueen]

How gorgeous and such a a great idea.

[::Sylvia::]

Was a terrific idea! I'm the editor of the Creative Bliss channel and would love to feature this idea on Blissfully Domestic!

[Nada]

i'm interested in a breakdown of the cubbies!

[sarah]

please tell more! thank you!

[laura]

yes please! very very VERY interested in a detailed tour! it looks so inviting and wonderful!

[scurvyann]

I love it all! I'm wondering where I might find such cool cubbies? LOVE'EM!!!

[allie]

I loved your writing center tour-- all of them! Parents are always asking me how to encourage their young ones how to write at home (I teach fours and fives) and these are wonderful suggestions. Too many people try to do flashcards and workbooks -- you have a wonderful, hands on learning center for your little one. This is a lovely blog, too, I''ll be sure to visit again :)

[annamaren]

I am so glad to have found your website!! Wow! Thank you for the show and tell of the writer center!

[franticallysimple]

I'd love a tour too!

[Louise]

wow please give me a personal tour Thankyou you an inspiration.

[Grace@PoeticHome]

I'm incredibly happy to have found your wonderful space online (via OhDeeDoh). I am currently expecting my first child, and reading through your wonderful stories, fantastic advice, and inspirational ideas on how to encourage a child to learn and explore has brought great smiles to my face (as well as more knowledge for me to use when I'm a mom!). Thank you so much for sharing these pieces of your family's life with us!

[Jennifer]

Hi Grace-
 
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing my boundless enthusiasm. And congratulations on you baby on the way. What a wonderful time for you!
 
I have actually drooled over your typewriters on Etsy. I know there is one in my future some day. Very inspiring (as is your blog!).
 
Thanks for visiting!
 
Best,
Jen

[Jenn]

Where is the detailed tour? Did I miss it?
Is it too late to jump on the bandwagon?

[Heidi]

Thank you for a truly inspiring post. I'm working on setting up the writing center for my 4 year old preschool class. Where did you get the wooden pieces to form letters? Do you ever have glass breakage? I hate to use plastic, but in a classroom setting it is safer. Any sources for wood cups, jars, or small containers?

[Jim]

Innovation has no limits and education simply polishes it :) - www.betterreportcard.com

[Amber]

Hi! I love this this...I am working on setting up a writing center for my 5 and 6 year old and I would love a detailed tour! Thank you for sharing. Such and inspiration!

[Zoe @ Playing by the book]

My eldest is just getting in to reading and writing and this is wonderful inspiration for supporting her! I've linked here today:
http://www.playingbythebook.net/2010/07/18/fishing-for-words/