Creating Space for Reading

If you pop in after lunch recess on any given day, you will see a lot of coziness going on. Children make little nested areas in the classroom and in the library. They cuddle with stuffed animals and will even read to them. On dark and rainy days, we break out the flashlights and read/tell stories under blankets. When the weather turns nice again, we will pack up a blanket or two and head to the woods with a bag of books. I want to make reading as pleasurable an activity as possible - one that is scheduled and looked forward to as a time to recharge.

At home, making a designated reading space makes sense. A reading nook can cut down the distractions, and create a serene and welcoming space in which to curl up with a favorite book. Maybe you could find a way to screen off a part of your living space and add some cozy cushions and a lamp - all set! Take the doors off a closet and transform it into a reading nook fit for Harry Potter. A canopy from Ikea can create a magical place.

More important even than creating a physical space is creating an emotional space for reading. A whole family reading time is highly recommended. Your children can see the value and joy of reading if they know you value it too. Putting all the electronic screens away for 30 minutes to curl up with your own reading material - what a nice way to relax from the hurried nature of the day.

You can read this article from KQED/Mindshift called Tips and Tricks Parents Can Use to Nurture the Love of Reading in Kids. While this is geared mostly for caretakers of older children, I found much of the information can be applied with even the youngest of people. I particularly like the part where children should be allowed to read what they want for pleasure, even if it isn't the best "literature." Long live Captain Underpants.