America Reads Challenge: Ready*Set*Read 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: Write With and On: Table (homemade or purchased, Chalkboards (wall and lap) sized Chalk (white and colored) for young children) Easels Chair(s) Paint Desk and chair Brushes Low, open shelves Paper (lined and unlined, different Bulletin board sizes, Clothesline and clothespins (to colors, weights, textures) hang up Markers (washable, nontoxic, thick children's writing) and thin tips) Explore Letters and Numerals Crayons With: Colored pencils Erasable boards, markers, and erasers Magnet boards and alphabet and Magic slates number magnets Ready-made blank books Alphabet and numeral blocks, Bookbinding materials (stapler, hole tiles, and punch, laces) puzzles Scissors (for older toddlers and Alphabet and numeral sponges, preschoolers) stamps, Typewriter and stamp pads Computer and developmentally Alphabet and counting books appropriate writing programs Play Make-Believe With: Clipboards Envelopes Junk mail, catalogs, coupons Magazines Empty food containers File folders and boxes Mailbag and mailbox downloaded at www.schoolhousedoor.com