Writing Center

October 6, 2010

For those of you who have been reading this blog over the years, you know that I am a big fan of writing centers. Whether they are in the home or a school, they play an essential role in a child’s writing development.

Over the years I have created a variety of different areas that encourage children to write spontaneously for authentic purposes. When I opened the shop, I was determined to include a writing center in the studio so that children and parents could have unlimited access to inviting and interesting writing materials. Through the process of trying to design the ideal writing center, I tried a number of different organizational tools, such as magazine racks, file holders, you name it.

After three failed attempts (sagging papers, inaccessible materials, etc.), I decided to go with pegboard and customized accessories for the specific materials I wanted to make available. It was a long yet worthwhile process. The writing papers are readily accessible and visible, the art supplies are kept in buckets and can easily be removed for use, and everything an aspiring writer needs can be stored in one convenient place.

The picture above is of a writing center I installed for a lovely family in their craft room, which was located in a charming barn! Below is the version you will find in the shop. I wish you could all come and see it in person…

 

Mariah

Mariah

Founder at Playful Learning
Mariah Bruehl is a parent, educator, entrepreneur, and author of the book Playful Learning: Develop Your Child’s Sense of Joy and Wonder (Shambhala Publications, 2011). In 2008 Mariah brought her expertise online, creating the Parents’ Choice Gold Medal award-winning Web site Playful Learning. In 2011 she launched the Playful Learning Ecademy, which takes virtual-learning experiences to a new level by incorporating the best practices in education with engaging hands-on lessons, bringing parents and children together from all over the world into a unique, creative community environment.
Mariah

@playfullearning

Amazing Little eCourses for Life's Big Lessons—For Children + Their Grown-Ups
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Mariah

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16 Comments

  1. Sandra Cook said on May 6, 2012 #

    I would love to make this center for my room. Would it be possible for you to send me the directions to make it and where you acquired the supplies? I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Amber Amaradio said on June 6, 2012 #

    Do you still have the downloads for the letter paper, story paper and blank paper?  I printed some a while back and would like more!  Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Kara said on June 16, 2012 #

    Hi There-Wondering which specific items you purchased.  I can make out some from picture, but others, since they are clear, are hard to make out.  Looking to make a writing center for two daughters in their play room.

    Reply
    • Ashley said on June 29, 2012 #

      Yes, I’m with Kara…also wondering which specific items you purchased. I’m a kindergarten teacher and would love to create something similar in my classroom. I went on Azar Displays, but could not find some of the items in the photo–specifically the size holders for writing paper.

      Reply
  4. More Space Updates, Activities & Developments « Racheous said on July 23, 2012 #

    [...] lined and unlined paper, coloured paper and a personalised return address stamp (all inspired by Playful Learning Spaces – I own and thoroughly recommend the book!). I’m hoping to set up a stamp & address [...]

    Reply
  5. Mary Anne said on August 24, 2012 #

    Love this writing center! I too am trying to find the clear paper size (8.5 x 11) size holders for the Azar display, could you tell us where you found those? I am finding everything else fine. Cant’ quite make out the little holders either, the ones with the sticky notes in them (orange in first picture, blue in the other). Love some guidance!

    Reply
  6. Susana said on September 9, 2012 #

    I would love to get our book I own a preschool and need to ad a writing center. I also want to visit your shop but not sure where in Ny it is. I am going to NY in October and would love to visit your store.

    Reply
    • mariah said on September 10, 2012 #

      Hi Susana – I love the idea of having writing centers in preschool classes! As far as the shop goes, I closed it last December so that I could focus more on the Playful Learning eCourses and another upcoming book… I am sorry that I will miss you!

      Reply
  7. Susana said on September 18, 2012 #

    So sad to hear you close the store. One question, Is the pegboard in the picture this one: Pegboard Wall Panel 16″ x 60″high? I would like to know which one to buy.

    Reply
  8. Joseph Miller said on January 26, 2013 #

    I have obtained all the items here from Azar, but it WAS a long and arduous task figuring out which accessories to get and how to hang them.

    Reply

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