In the writing area, children are provided with paper, pencils, crayons and other tools necessary to explore beginning writing skills. Children are encouraged to scribble and "write" throughout the day. We also work with children one on one and in small groups to nurture beginning letter recognition and the desire to communicate through written language. Sometimes children dictate stories to us, which we record in "books".

         Every day we read stories and sing songs with the children. We sing and chant with children to help them discover their voices, to practice using new words and to help them recognize rhythm.

         We read books to introduce new ideas and to develop pre-reading skills, but mostly to develop a love of books and reading. When we read to children we often ask questions about what is happening or encourage children to predict what will happen next. We also encourage children to repeat words, rhymes and phrases they have memorized to increase their participation in and comprehension of the story.