It is important to not underestimate the importance of creating a reading space for your children. This is the place you should create for your child to read. It’s a quiet place, where they can enjoy their favourite stories, and be with them alone.
We have listed 12 things to consider when creating a space where your child can read. We have also provided images of beautiful and creative spaces to inspire you. Click on any image to go to its original source.
Take Your Time
Take the time before you create a reading space to observe your child. You will notice patterns in the places where they prefer to read. You can then create a place that will be comfortable for your child and one they will want to visit.
Space
Give your child plenty of space to read in. They can invite friends, family members, parents, or grandparents to share a book with them.
It would also be great if a couple of regular buddies (also known as soft toys) lived in the space permanently. Soft toys can live permanently in this space. It is good for the language to read stories out loud to your toys.
Temperature
Place the space for reading in a warm area of the home. Even a warm blanket can be added to your reading space. Nobody can read a good book if their feet are cold.
Light
Install a reading area in a room with plenty of light and a nighttime lamp.
Book Storage
Do not overload your space with books. Instead, make sure that there are enough shelves for some books so they can be easily accessed by your child. The importance of book shelves facing forward cannot be overstated. Baskets and boxes are also good options. We suggest that you rotate the books in your bookcase, along with a few favourites. These could be borrowed books from the library, or they might have a particular theme or period of the year.
Comfort
Make sure your child has a cozy and comfortable space. You could use a beanbag, a couch or even a bunch of cushions. The idea is to allow your child to relax and be comfortable.
Quiet
Set up your reading area in a quiet corner of the home, away from any distractions like televisions, washing machines and dishwashers. It will encourage your child to concentrate on what they’re reading.
Invite
Your child should enjoy visiting the reading area. If the space is attractive and welcoming, children will want to spend time there. This can be done with vibrant colours, cute décor or your child’s favorite items. Use words from the book your child loves to decorate the wall.
Privacy
My daughter was one of the children I caught hiding in the tightest of spaces with a book. They like to escape from family chaos and get lost in books. You might want to take this into consideration when you are setting up your own reading area. Tee Pees can be used to easily create private areas.
Book haven
The reading area should celebrate books. This can be achieved by using original illustrations from books, prints inspired by them or artwork created with vintage pages. Books Illustrated offers original art from Australian picture book.
Property
Let them have a say in what you want to create. Allow them to be a part of the process. Child 101, for example, shared an excellent idea to make a bunting out of the covers of children’s favorite books.
Children 101: Source
Consider adding personal items to the room.
Multiple spaces
It is best to create a variety of reading areas in your house if you have enough space. This will allow children to choose the right place to read the book for their mood. You don’t have to confine your indoor reading area to just the house.
