Here is a simple way to encourage writing in both the home or classroom- a simple bookmaking center! All you need is a few common supplies, and kids can create their very own books.
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This stapler was the one bit of magic I needed to get Lucy to take off in writing stories. The second I bought it, she began stapling papers together and the book making began! (It’s also my most favorite stapler by the way. I’ve got this one at home and a blue one in the classroom.)
I like to have many pre-stapled books available for the kids in a simple book making center. You simply fold some blank paper in half with a construction paper cover and staple them together.
I put the blank books and some writing utensils out where they are easily accessible. It’s very inviting and both kids always enjoy using it. To keep it fresh, I sometimes switch out the crayons for colored pencils or add some new blank books or stickers. Even just moving it to another location in the house seems to draw them back in.
Depending on what stage your child is in writing, he or she might ask you for some assistance. Lucy usually likes to do the front cover, dedication page (she just started doing that after noticing it in all the books we read), and illustrations herself. Sometimes she will write some of the sentences, but usually she likes to dictate it to me as I write. This provides a great opportunity for modeling how to sound out words (I’ll sound out each word as I’m writing) and how to use correct punctuation.
Theo just loves doing all the work on his own!
We also keep a separate basket out to hold all the completed books. We put it right under our seasonal books where it’s sure to be seen and used frequently. (Lucy often chooses her own homemade books for her bedtime stories!) She feels proud to have them read and displayed in the house for everyone to see!
Tip: We use Ikea spice racks as book shelves. They are perfect for displaying books!
Check out our ebook ABCs and 123s! You’ll find 40+ ways to encourage children to explore letters and numbers through play!
