A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

America Reads Challenge: Ready*Set*Read for Families - April 1997

Reading and Writing Play Materials

Children learn about reading and writing in several ways. They watch adults, try out their own ideas, solve problems, and figure out for themselves how spoken and written words are connected.

Families can help by providing a special place where children can read and write and by encouraging them to include reading and writing in their play activities. Here are some examples of reading and writing materials for young children.

Create a Special Place With:

Table (homemade or purchased, sized
  for young children)
Chair(s)
Desk and chair
Low, open shelves
Bulletin board
Clothesline and clothespins (to hang up
  children's writing)

Explore Letters and Numerals With:

Magnet boards and alphabet and
   number magnets
Alphabet and numeral blocks, tiles, and
   puzzles
Alphabet and numeral sponges, stamps,
   and stamp pads
Alphabet and counting books

Play Make-Believe With:

Clipboards
Envelopes
Junk mail, catalogs, coupons
Magazines
Empty food containers
File folders and boxes
Mailbag and mailbox

Write With and On:

Chalkboards (wall and lap)
Chalk (white and colored)
Easels
Paint
Brushes
Paper (lined and unlined, different sizes,
   colors, weights, textures)
Markers (washable, nontoxic, thick and
   thin tips)
Crayons
Colored pencils
Erasable boards, markers, and erasers
Magic slates
Ready-made blank books
Bookbinding materials (stapler, hole
   punch, laces)
Scissors (for older toddlers and
   preschoolers)
Typewriter
Computer and developmentally
   appropriate writing programs


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[Using Language to Learn: Activities for Preschoolers] [Table of Contents] [American Library Association's Suggested Book List for Young Readers]