Create a Cozy Reading Nook in 3 Simple Steps
By Lisa Vodola, M.Ed
November 25, 2020
The cooler weather has many Savvy Aunties snuggling up with a good book on a lazy afternoon. No need to feel guilty about losing ourselves in a great read; when our nieces and nephews see us reading for pleasure, they are more likely to read for fun, too.
If you’re fortunate enough to be able to cozy up with your nieces and nephews to read to them or alongside them, or if you're unable to but want to inspire their reading from a distance, a wonderful way to do that is to help them create a reading nook. A reading nook is a special, dedicated area in the home that provides a comfortable, quiet place to retreat to and curl up with a good story. It’s also a place to store and display a variety of books including their favorites and new books their Auntie (and parents, grandparents, uncles and friends) may add to their library.
As a preschool educator, I’ve noticed that when children have a special place to read, reading becomes a special activity children look forward to. Here are my three tips for creating a reading nook with and/or for your nieces and nephews so they are inclined and encouraged to read more often:
First, choose your spot
Aim for an intimate, quiet space set aside for reading. It may be the corner of a room, a large closet, under a windowsill, under the stairs, or in a tent. These are just some examples; the possibilities are endless.
Next, decorate your nook
The perfect reading nook is cozy and comfy. Fill the spaces with lots of throw pillows, soft blankets, furry rugs, Sherpa bean bags, poufs or cushions, and great lighting. Baby dolls or plush animals to snuggle up to and read with are an option for younger children. Personalize the space by incorporating pillows, blankets in your nieces’ and nephews’ favorite colors, or chairs with their name embroidered on them. Add a little whimsy with fairy lights, a canopy, plants, garland, and electric/no-flame tea lights.
Finally, display your books
Books should be within reach and easily accessible to the children so they can choose the books they want to read or be read to. Organize their books on low bookshelves, in bins, caddies, or baskets. You will want to include books on your nieces’ and nephews’ favorite topics and interests, as well as their favorite characters. Be sure to include a variety of educational books too, like alphabet books to learn the names of the letters and the sounds, counting books to help children learn to recognize numbers, poetry and rhyming books to teach phonological awareness.
A reading nook inspires children to see reading as so valuable that it deserves its own space in the home. In turn, the reading nook inspires children to read more, and that’s a very good thing.
Happy reading,
Lisa
PS: I'm offering $50 off an initial reading assessment at
preschoolreaders.com for Savvy Auntie nieces and nephews through December 15, 2020.
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As the Owner of Preschool Readers, Lisa Vodola, M.Ed., along with her team of Preschool Reading Specialists, provides children aged 3 - 5 years an academic head start through their award-winning in-home and virtual reading instruction. Preschool Readers is featured for their educational expertise on CBS and family and parenting media outlets. Visit preschoolreaders.com to sign-up for their free newsletter and receive tips and activities aimed to increase your child's educational success.