Literacy Learning Centres:

Some Ideas

WritingComputer / Information Technology

To provide opportunities for children to use word processing package for writing or publishing.

Computers Software for word processing

Students cab use computers for writing or can use time to type for writing to be published.

Beat The Timer To write as many known words as possible within a time limit.

Timer (e.g. sand, buzzer, clock)Paper or sheetPencils

Children write as many words as they can within the specified time. Teachers can specify that words need to be known and read back.

Write the Caption Writing a suitable caption or sentences.Writing to match an illustration.

A range of pictures, e.g.- photos from excursion or

school event- taken from books- posters- Paper - Pencils

Children write captions / sentences about the illustrations

Speech Bubbles To develop the children’s skill in writing dialogue

A range of cartoons or pictures Paper and pens/pencils

Children write dialogue in speech bubbles.

Publishing Center To provide the opportunity to use presentation and publishing skills

A range of:- paper- cardboard- texts- pencils, pens- colored pencils- colored paper etc.

Children are given the opportunity to publish a piece of writing that has been through the drafting process. Elements of presentation and design can be highlighted.

Writing in Specific Forms To develop children’s writing skills in specific forms.

Examples of specific formatsFormats, for example, W.A. First Steps – Report Format

Children write in specific forms, e.g. - reports

- lists- invitations- recipes- postcards

Formats can be provided as a

guide. **Note that students should be already familiar with the form.

Favorite Writing To develop writing skill with focus appropriate to stage of development

PaperPencils/ PensA range of texts as models

Children write about their favorite song, riddle, rhymes, recipes, taps etc.The focus of this learning center will depend on the child’s stage of development.

Handwriting To practice handwriting skills PaperPencils/PensSheet focusing on letter formation Passage for transcriptionChalkboard exerciseMini white boards.

Children complete handwriting exercise which can involve;

- copying from chalkboard- focusing on one letter

formation - copying script/text

Letter Box / Pen pals To provide an opportunity for children to write in letter format

Cardboard letter boxPaper or stationaryPens / pencilsEnvelopesRubber stamps / postage stampsModels of letter formatPostcards made by children

Children write a letter to a pen pal or another student in the classroom(This could be any one the child likes; family, famous, sportsperson etc) Ensure the letter gets to it’s recipient

Headlines To create a story or report to match a headline

A variety of headlines on cardsPencils / pensPaper

Students write a story or report to match a particular headline

Spelling Journal Activities To practice and learn words form individual children’s spelling journals.

A range of activities involving spelling journal words. (See example) See W.A. First Steps Spelling Resource Book

Students undertake one or a range of activities focusing on helping them to learn their spelling journal words.Teachers may direct students to do a certain activity or provide a range.