What additional materials can teachers include in the
literacy suitcase?
Teachers can add accessory materials to the suitcase, such as a
board or paperback book, blank books, word cards, and fill-in-the-
blank papers.These are the same accessories teachers often add to
the basic writing center in the classroom. Chapter 5 describes how
to make these materials. Teachers may occasionally include mark-
ers, crayons, envelopes, and tape. Children often use markers and
crayons in the same way as they use pencils to experiment with
writing. Some children may make their own small books using the
paper and tape.
What should teachers avoid including in the literacy
suitcase?
Teachers should avoid including art supplies, such as glue and
scissors, in the suitcase.The inclusion of these art materials may
encourage some children to focus more attention on art activities
rather than on writing explorations. Children sometimes use art
supplies for cutting and gluing activities. The suitcase might come
back with name cards cut in half or glued together!
Where can teachers find the supplies for literacy
suitcases?
Teachers can find small plastic school boxes in the school-sup-
plies section of many discount stores. Paper and pencils, as well as
supplies for making name and wordcards, are available through
school-supply catalogs.Other suggestions for the literacy suitcase
include a small lunch box, an empty craft box, a backpack, or even
an old briefcase. Chapter 5 gives a detailed description of the types
of paper and pencils to provide for writing activities. The activities
in this chapter show many examples of different combinations of
supplies.
Howdo teachers plan what to include in the suitcase?
Teachers should evaluate the age range and experience of the
group as well as the developmental levels of individual children.If a
child is not yet experimenting with writing in the classroom, the
teacher may send home a basic literacy suitcase to stimulate inter-
est in writing (activity 8.1). This basic suitcase is often the first
type sent home with children. If a child demonstrates high interest
in copying letters and words at the writing center,the teacher may
include a book and word cards related to the book. The suitcase
may also contain fill-in-the-blank papers. Teachers of kindergarten
children may select morecomplex accessories, such as story
starters or small journals for record keeping. Suggestions for
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