Writing Centers for Early Learners: 5 Centers for Encouraging Independence

Writing Center is a must. But, I also think a 4 Square Center, a First, Then, Last Center, Fab 5 Center and a Word Wall Word Center with Configuration Boxes. 

Writing Centers are the most important part of their independence.

I also believe writing should be in all the centers including a Math Center, a Social Studies/Science Center, and a Squiggle Center.

Writing is one of the most important skills a student can acquire.  There can’t be too many ways to practice writing.

Configuration Boxes

This center is definitely a process/product center.

Once they understand what is expected, this can be an early independent center.

Students start by using the sound chart or word cards as topics.

This is a penmanship center, not a word shape center.

Students are asked to write using tall, short, and hanging letter boxes.

The predictable text makes even the earliest learner successful. This center starts the Week 2.

Students are taught to use the new word wall words (Week 2 is “I, am, and a”) to create sentences.

This is especially fun during Week 2 because students are creating sentences using the sentence starter “I am a…” There are always giggles when they are asked to read these new sentences out loud.

This isn’t a center that should be all year. It is certainly something that can be replaced as students need more.

4 Square

Sometimes going back helps you go forward.

One year, my students were having difficulty writing 4 sentences on a topic. 

I knew we had to go back to basics. 

I introduced the 4 Square, developed by Gould and Gould, to my students. 

We started with a simple pre-made 4 square. 

They are instructed in a whole group setting to write a sentence with each box, starting with the top left, going to the top right, moving to the bottom left and going to the bottom right. 

When the 4 squares are put in the center, students are allowed to choose a pre-made 4 square or use a word list to make a 4 square, but they always write 4 sentences on a topic. 

4 squares MUST be taught as a pre-write, not a finished product. 

As they are able, students can be taught to write more than one sentence for each block.  4 square writing is easily differentiated for students. 

Students can be taught to write more than one sentence for each box.

First, Then, Last Center

This started as the silliest center ever, but the students are quickly writing 3-step stories. 

I was asked by my principal to use the Sequencing Box of puzzles that the PTA gifted our class.

I don’t really like the set, because they can’t get it wrong.

But decided it could be a writing center.

Using the box, I used several Ziploc bags in the center that contain 4 or 5 puzzle sets from the sequencing box. 

Each numbered 1 through 5.  I provide story book paper. 

First, students choose a bag.  Then, they put all the puzzles together.  Last, they choose one puzzle and write 3 sentences. 

Cards with the words, FIRST, THEN, and LAST are provided in the center.  Students love it!  They even choose to write the stories during our Wipe-Off Board Center.

Fab 5

This center was also first discussed by Pat Pavelka

This center is all about lists…Top 10 Colors, Top 10 Friends, Top 10 Red Things, etc. 

Having taught kindergarten for many years, Top 10 was too hard or took too long…so along came Fab 5. 

After my students write their list, they must choose one item on the list and write a sentence, or several sentences, about it. 

To begin the school year, the students might write Fab 5 Friends using the name chart or Fab 5 Colors using the color charts. 

As the year progresses, use Anchor Charts made as a whole group in the Fab 5/Top 10 Center. 

Students can also use this center to Write The Room, finding words that begin or end with  a specific letter. 

Another variation of this center is using a theme word, and  have the students find words around the room. This is another sentence that can be replaced as student writing becomes more meaty.

Predictable Sentences

The center is just what it seems.  

The students are allowed to choose word wall phrases and word cards to create sentences.

The introduction of the Big 3 (capitals, spaces, and end marks) can make this center a top choice for independence.

Each week students pick new word wall word phrases.

This is definitely a process center.

The students learn to write sentences NEATLY with the Big 3.


I love teaching writing! 

It is amazing to see the students develop right in front of your eyes. 

Writing needs to be taught strategically and practiced often. 

It is also important for students to find success early, so that they aren’t afraid to write.

If you’d like sample for each of these centers, fill out the form and join my email list.

Cathy Collier

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