Students need frequent opportunities to practice foundational literacy skills in a playful yet meaningful way.  To help promote children's language and literacy development, teachers must be intentional about creating a conducive learning environment.  The foundational literacy interest area must include fun and interesting materials that offer specific learning experiences which aid in the development of literacy skills.  Effective teachers interact with students purposefully while supporting them in this center by modeling language, asking questions, and connecting with their thinking.  Items in this area should be selected based on children's developmental needs, interests, and cultural/linguistic backgrounds.  The foundational literacy area is an MSCS Division of Early Childhood required center.