This is not a post about a cool, hand held device that allows you to download and read virtual books. Those probably encourage reading as well but they are much more expensive that the nook that I am suggesting.
We all know reading is important and most of us probably spend time encouraging our children to read by taking them to libraries, buying books, and reading aloud. One thing that can really enhance everything you already do is creating a special reading area in your house – a reading nook.
It doesn’t have to be a large area and it doesn’t have to be fancy. A reading nook really only needs to be comfortable and inviting – and have access to plenty of books. It can be a permanent fixture in your home or a special area that you set up. The only requirement is that your child finds it difficult to resist.
- Put a small bookshelf in the corner of a room and add a beanbag chair, an afghan, and a few favorite books. This works best when the nook is not in the same room as the television.
- Remember creating tents with sheets and chairs? You can do basically the same thing to create a fun reading nook for your younger child. Place to chairs about three feet apart with the seats facing each other. Drape a large sheet over the chair backs and allow it to touch the floor on three sides. Stack some books on one of the chair seats and a bean bag chair or large pillow on the floor.
- If you have a window seat you’ve already got a reading nook.  Add a few books to a basket and place it on or next to the window seat. Drape a soft afghan over the seat cushion to invite your child to curl up and read.
- Do you have a closet that you can live without? Take the doors off, paint the inside a pretty color and add a window seat type bench or other place to sit that fits the size of the space. Hang some artwork on the walls or add vinyl lettering (or stencil) on a great quote about reading and books. Make sure that there is adequate lighting and it’s ready to go.
- A reading nook can be as simple as a large, comfortable chair in an out of the way corner of the room. Add a small table for snacks, a basket of books, a quilt, and fluffy pillow to complete the area.
- Do you have one child and a set of bunk beds? Create a reading nook on the top bunk by pushing the bed lengthwise against a wall and adding a few shelves with books. Place it in a corner if you can so that you have wall on two sides. Add several throw pillows, an afghan and a wall lamp. It’s a good place for your child to curl up and read.
- If you want to add a real nook and you have a stairway in your home, you may be able to open up the area under the stairs and add a bench seat and some shelves. This is usually wasted space and can add character and interest to your home.
Only make one rule for the nook. It is a special, quiet place for reading – not a place to play a handheld game or talk on the phone. Kids love private spaces and a nook may be just the thing to get your child more involved in reading.
photo credit: kokopinto
