How to create and use a reading corner at home: 5 easy steps

Read this in: اردو (Urdu)

It can seem like a big project to create a reading corner at home. Some of you might even question the need to create one. But, let me tell you that it is more than a decor focal point. It can help you kickstart the habit of reading.

As a generation, we are consuming more content. But, the format has shifted from paper to online

More content must be better, right?

The troubling part is that this change has come at a cost for the future readers of our generation.

Physical books need them to focus on the words and use their imagination. But the online format focuses on entertainment, full of distractions for young minds.

Often, themes are not age-appropriate. Their eyes are jumping around on the screens to keep track of the fast transitions. You may catch a glimpse of a word or letter before it disappears.

The plethora of educational material is great. But books are still essential to foster critical thinking.

Do I have to make my children read?

Learning to read is a time-consuming process. Like any task that needs brain engagement, you have to concentrate. It requires patience, and persistence, none of which are selling points for the kids. (or parents!)

Hence, our job as parents (more so for bilingual parents) to make them do it, is kind of like making them eat their vegetables (not fun!). So we need to make it more appealing.

How to develop a habit of reading more

There is a fantastic book called atomic habits which explored the psychology behind habit formation.

If you are treating reading as a new habit, you have to follow these laws.

The first step is to make it visible

When you set up a reading area, it will be a visual cue to your brain. Over time, you will learn to associate that with reading time.

Next is to make it attractive

That is where this reading nook comes in. It helps associate the act of reading with a designated location.

The way you set up that area can be inviting for you.
You can involve the kids in this process. When they choose some elements themselves, it will further create excitement.

I have created a printable to add to the reading area. You can also design one yourself or ask them to paint something to hang there.

Make it easy

We often overthink the demands of starting a project like this. But you have to remember that a single step will go a long way.

To establish a new routine, you have to start small so it is easy to implement. Placing books with accessibility in mind takes care of that.

So how often should we read to them?

This where science comes in.
Early Childhood Longitudinal Program has been studying data about children’s transition to school. It goes back to 1998 and they have fascinating insights.
Children who were read to at least three times a week (by a family member ) were almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading compared to children who were read to less than 3 times a week. (report link right here)

This happened whether the kid goes to a Private or a Public school.

So three times a week is a good place to start.

Reading begets reading

Data by The First Book initiative shows an interest in reading can be improved by providing a steady stream of age-appropriate books.

The exact impact is three times over course of months

In fact, by the age of two, children who were read to regularly, display (compared to their peers)

– greater understanding of language,

– larger vocabulary bank,

-higher cognitive skills (link to the paper here)

Should I move to a bigger house to have a library?

You might be picturing the floor to ceiling vast library from the movie Beauty and the Beast at this point.

Rest assured, you can stay in your current house and still create an awesome reading area.

I found this fascinating research about the number of books in a child’s home.

If there are at least 20 books in the child’s home, he/she is likely to get 3 more years of schooling than a child from a bookless home.

That is regardless of the parent’s education, occupation, and class.

So let’s talk about the steps to create your own nook.

5 Steps to create your own reading corner

During our recent move, we had to get rid of all our bookshelves. So the built-ins were a huge bonus when we chose our house.

I like to break things down into do-able steps.

First, location, location, location

Choosing the best location is very important. I recommend paying attention to natural light and have enough space for children level seating.

I chose our area in front of the staircase landing which fits the bill for me.

Ideally it should be away from noisy or high traffic areas but still accessible.

Next: book storage

As I mentioned, 20 books is not a lot if you are considering to start with that number.

Rest assured, I took a picture of what 20 books would look like and here it is.

A stack of 20 books

How much storage you need depends on the number of books you have already, plus room to grow.

For this, you can choose any shelf you may already have lying around the house, or repurpose open shelving being used for decor.

My mantra is to shop at home before you shop outside.

I chose to keep some puzzles and board games in the bottom shelf to make them accessible.

I used this shelf (affiliate link) when we had fewer books. I painted the blue part with the grey chalk paint that went with the theme.

In my homeschool setup post (link), I used this shelf. (affiliate link)

Choose flexible seating

There is mounting evidence that supports having flexible seating for young children. It helps keep them more engaged. You can read the details here

We opted for making this pillow seat at home. The rug is also washable (from Home Goods).

I got this bean bag chair from Home goods. My kids love it!

Lighting and decor

We all agree that books are beautiful to behold on a shelf all by themselves.

But I wanted to use the natural lighting from the skylight. It also gave me a reason to put some houseplants to test their survival skills. (they have thrived!)

Houseplants have so many benefits since they are cheap, green, and keep the air clean (that rhymes!)

I am in love with this string of hearts plant that has been growing gorgeously over the shelf.

Another option for lighting could be a floor lamp, desk lamp, or light from a window.

Choose a time to read

This is the most tricky part and one that I struggle with the most as well. So here are my tips:

1.Cue to read: turn off the screens

You have to create the cue. That is the first step towards training your mind.

If the screens are not an option, the kids have to find another activity.  Try to switch off screens (for grownups and kids) roughly an hour or so before bedtime.

That way, you will be able to direct them to the designated area for reading.

If you stay on your phone/screen, do not expect them to read by themselves. You have to model the reading behavior first.

2.Do it together

The easiest and most effective way is to start by asking them to pick out a book to read together.

Reading out loud has lots of benefits. It helps them connect the sounds to the letters (more phonological awareness).

Furthermore, it forces them to listen to your voice. That engages the active part of the brain so they are less likely to wander off.

In my experience, once you start reading, they want to read one by themselves, or even take over if they are old enough.

The benefits of reading together are mentioned in this paper. Mothers with higher levels of education are more likely to read to their children than those with lower levels of education.

Start small and make your way up slowly

Worth a mention is that the style of reading is more important than frequency.

Even if you have a few books, to begin with, reading them over and over will help your child figure out new things almost every time. They will learn to explore their mind.

I remember when I had only a few options for books in Pakistan while I was traveling. I read them over and over to her. Each time, she would find something new to point or talk about.

The goal is to focus on reading without distraction. This will help you in paying attention to what you are reading together.

I remember fondly when my daughter figured out her first-ever word “Pop ” all by herself, I found it exhilarating. Now that she is starting to pick up small Urdu words, I am even more excited for her.

So what do you think

I hope this post was useful. I am going to write another one about creative ways to get books added to your library. So be sure to subscribe.

Let me know if you already have a reading corner or are thinking about making one. Also, share this post with someone who you think might enjoy it.

As always, I love your feedback. Happy decorating!

Read this in: اردو (Urdu)