Having a designated reading space is a great way to encourage your child to read. In addition to fostering their concentration and motivation, it can help spark their interest in books. Not sure how to get started? Here are some tips to help you create an inviting reading space for your child.
A reading nook is a space dedicated to books and daydreams. The area doesn’t need to be very big, but it should be cozy and inviting. Here are a few spaces that might be suitable for your book haven:
- A bedroom
- A game room
- A common room
- A basement
- A bedsheet tent
- Etc.
If the reading nook reflects your child’s personality, they’ll be more inclined to spend time there. To get some decor ideas, you can ask them the following questions:
- Who’s your favourite comic book character?
- What’s your favourite colour?
- What’s your dream location?
- Which do you prefer: a field of flowers or the seashore?
- Etc.
Once you know a bit more about your child’s tastes, you can start decorating their reading nook. For instance, you can spruce it up with the following:
- A poster of their favourite literary character
- A canopy made of sheets
- A beanbag chair
- Cushions
- Bunting
- Silk flowers
- String lights
- A rug
- A wooden crate bookcase
- Lamps
- A chalkboard wall
- Wallpaper
- Touches of colour on the walls
- Etc.
Poor lighting is bad for our eyesight, especially when we’re reading. As you set up your child’s reading nook, try to follow these recommendations:
- Ensure the room’s lighting is not too bright (consider adding lampshades)
- Provide a reading lamp that can be positioned to shine directly onto the page
- Choose a lamp with several brightness settings
- Set up near a window so that your child can take advantage of the natural light
- Etc.
Having a designated reading space in your home is great. But if your child isn’t a natural bookworm, you may need to stimulate their desire to read. Here are a few tips to get your child interested in the written word:
- Fill your shelves with books
- Make sure new books (purchased or borrowed from the library) are prominently displayed
- Lead by example and spend time in the reading nook
- Ask your child to read out loud to you
- Give your child a special snack during reading time
- Establish a reading routine (e.g., every night before bedtime)
- Etc.
There are plenty of ways for you to help your child fall in love with books. In our article, Tips to encourage your child to read, we share six strategies that you can try at home.
Writing : Viviane Asselin
Scientific review : Nathalie Paquet-Bélanger, resource teacher
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Rewriting : The Alloprof Parents' team