LITERACY/READING CENTER

WHY?

In the reading center children can develop reading readiness skills through hands-on activities and games. Oral language, phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, and print knowledge will be nurtured in fun and meaningful ways to help children fall in love with letters, sounds, and learning to read.

                              

The reading center (or l center) should be in a quiet area of the classroom and should have a table, chairs, and shelves for storing materials.

Storytelling/Oral language

Puppets
Flannel board
Photo puppets of children
Stuffed animals
Masks
Story books

Alphabet Knowledge

magnetic letters and cookie sheet

Alphabet blocks
Letter stamps, stickers, stamp pad
letter tiles
letter beads
sponge letters
phonics games

Print Knowledge

fly swatters, flashlights, pointers
Silly glasses                                  
Pocket Chart
Children’s name cards with photos   
Chalkboard, wipe off board, magic slate
Paper, pencils
Word/picture cards
Picture dictionary
Word puzzles


Phonological Awareness

rhyming games
Nursery rhyme books

JUST FOR FUN!

Letter Pops
You will need jumbo craft sticks, magnetic letters, and craft glue to make letter pops. Glue the magnetic letters to the jumbo craft sticks and you’re all set to begin.

Children can use these to match letters on classroom print. They can also find objects in the room beginning with that sound.


Children can make words with letter pops.

They can match upper and lowercase letters.