*To learn about the purposes of writing *To experiment with letter shapes and forms *To develop the desire and motivation to want to write Resources
*Paper and card *ready-made books *headed paper and office stationery *writing paper *envelopes *chalk board and chalks *alphabet chart *Post-it notes *laminate *relevant props Step by step
* Create the backing display by joining together large pieces of coloured card.
* Type and print out headings of the objects you intend to cover, such as a greetings card, a book, or a voucher.
* Make ready-made books for children to pin on to the display board once complete.
* Include space for children's drawings around the display board.
Activities We use the display to help encourage children to write. For example: A shopping list
* We ask the children to bring in shopping lists or till receipts.
* They are then encouraged to talk about their shopping trip and what they bought.
* Staff introduce an easel and write the food items on to the board.
* Children then write their own shopping list.
A postcard and a book
* Before going on a visit to the seaside, we ask the children what they want to do there.
* We use an easel and A3 paper to write down their answers.
* The children transfer the words on to their own postcards, inviting a friend or relative to the seaside.
* After a visit to the seaside, we develop the photographs and talk to them about what they are doing in each photograph.
* We ask the children to stick the photographs into a book and write captions beneath them.
Extension activity
* Give the children Post-it notes to stick on top of their work. Encourage them to write notes on them, along with their names.
Neil Robinson is the assistant head at Honor Oak Early Years Centre, south London. He spoke to Nicole Curnow
More information
* For more information on the role of display in children's learning see A place to learn: developing a stimulating learning environment, from Lewisham Early Years Advice and Resource Network (15, tel: 020 8695 9806).
