Design the classroom, in the general sense, to encourage literacy, reading and writing. Hang motivational posters touting the joys of reading. Use alphabet borders around the classroom for younger students and borders with classic literature phrases for older children. Incorporate into your classroom layout areas for books to be housed, reading stations, listening stations for books on disc or tape, and community gathering spots to discuss books and ideas.
Make a list of the books and literacy topics you will covering throughout the year. If you do not have your yearly plan ready, make sure to know what you will be covering and focusing on at the beginning of the school year. Make a list of authors, books and topics which will be covered. Note beside each item listed the month you intend to cover that item. For example, if you will be learning about Edgar Allan Poe and reading "The Raven" during October; note the month beside both items.
Provide each child in the classroom with the tools and supplies required to build writing skills. Ensure every child has a journal and plenty of writing instruments to use in the journal. Keep an extra stash of blank journals for students to use in case a journal gets lost or filled up. Set up writing labs in the classroom to encourage students to practice creative writing during designated independent work sessions.
Create an area in the classroom to house an in-class library. Use this in addition to the school's library to further promote the reading side of literacy. Allow students to continually check out books from your in-class library. Have the writing center located in the same area, so students can work on creative writing exercises based on the books they have read.
Hang decorations around the classroom to promote both reading and writing. Use the monthly list and change decorations regularly to keep students intrigued. Hang book and author names from the ceiling to promote upcoming topics. You can even write one classic literature phrase prominently across the chalkboard each morning, using a new one every day.