Monday, October 26, 2015

Designating Space for Reading with Children at Home

Today, Kaitlin Krull, writer for Modernize.com, is here to share with you all some great and easy ideas for designating space for reading with children at home. Feel free to share some of her ideas with families of your students and/or use them with your own children at home or even in your classroom as well! 

For many parents, fitting in reading time with children can feel like a daily struggle. While finding time for reading is certainly an issue, finding a Here are a few simple steps to help you create a reading space you and your kids will love.

Make it comfortable
The most important part of a reading area is comfort. If you’re creating a quiet area suitable for reading in your kids’ bedroom or playroom, then soft pillows, cushions, and a plush rug in a corner of the room are essentials. Books should be stored in low bookcases, boxes, or baskets, or on the wall (check out this super easy Ikea hack using BEKVAM spice racks below) next to the seating area. For added effect, add a teepee, tent, or soft fairy lights to finish off the space and encourage lounging and reading for hours on end. Trust me, by the time you’ve finished you will want to spend some serious reading time there yourself.


via A Baby on Board


via Modernize

Store books around the house
There are tons of places around the house that can make perfect reading corners for whenever your kids feel like sitting down with a good book. In addition to designated reading corners in the playroom and kids’ bedrooms, a wicker basket full of family favorites next to the sofa, in the kitchen, and in the bathroom (everyone needs a good potty time read!) will not go unused for long. If there are particular books that your kids love, pick up an extra copy or two the next time you see them on sale and keep them in each reading space to save yourself time traipsing around the house looking for The Very Hungry Caterpillar every single day.


via Modernize

Keep it accessible
Once you’ve set up your reading space, make sure everyone knows how to use it. Your kids should know where their reading materials are (if you’ve stored them on the wall, make sure they’re low to the ground), how to find books, and how books should be treated. As far as general maintenance is concerned, make sure books are rotated on a regular basis, especially if you have limited shelf space. Remove books that are no longer age appropriate or that aren’t interesting to your kids. Most importantly, keep the area tidy. No one will want to spend time in a messy, unorganized reading corner. This last part should be easy enough on your end if your kids are in the habit of cleaning up after themselves (easier said than done, I know!).


via Modernize


via Modernize

Kaitlin Krull is a writer and mom of two girls living the expat life in the UK. Her writing is featured on Modernize.com and a number of home decor sites around the web. She can also be found blogging from time to time on her personal blog, A Vicar’s Wife.