Every room should have a curl up, get cozy, never-wanna-get-up-again reading corner. I remember when I was a kid finding clever ways to hide so I could read without being caught and put to work… *chuckle* remember hiding an open book under a towel on the towel bar in the bathroom? Heh heh, I thought I was so clever, then one day I ran across my sister’s book occupying my towel rack, and possibly my moms book?? Oh well.
It seems that between the television, internet, and video games we have ruined a generation for reading. My kids are always begging to watch this, or play that online game, what ever happened to the love of a great book? Educational content or not, my kids spend more than enough time online from school alone… I’m on a mission to give them the reading bug!
Set these items beside a small book shelf, or a few well stocked book crates, and you’ve got a space just for reading!
Proper Lighting
This detail should NOT be overlooked! It may not be as much fun as decorating or accessorizing, but we all know how necessary it is! Please, don’t skimp on a nice bright lamp!
I allow my kids to get up early (with the sun!) rather than go to bed late, but I know many parents like to give their kids the privilege of a little extra time to read after lights-out time… For parents who want to encourage reading, consider leaving a little “night light” reading lamp, or an LED book clamp light in their reading corner. Just be sure the light is effective enough to prevent them from straining their eyes.
Great Reading Materials
What is the use of creating the perfect reading area without having the perfect reading materials? I think it is important to strategically stock our kids bookcases. Keep easy/light reading right at their current reading level, as well as “challenge” books for them. We want our kids to be ever increasing their reading level of difficulty without having to push them. Sure, we do it for school, but why not let them venture out of their own accord? When their interest is piqued, they may just venture out into a greater difficulty level without even realizing it!
Reading Nook Accessories
I love the faux fur we’ve draped across our girl’s reading chair. With something so soft you just cozy up and never want to leave! Stock your reading nook with cushions, pillows, a small cozy throw…anything to keep them comfortable!
Consider a journal and a set of pretty colored pencils for your older kids to write down their private thoughts on great reads.
Keeping It Organized
Kid’s bookcases are often a hot mess, especially if they have a sizable book collection! Simple items such as baskets, magazine holders, book caddies, or even bookends help keep those books wrangled. I don’t clean my kids bedrooms for (and admittedly not even with) them, so keeping those bookcases tidy needs to be toddler easy!
Noelle
Perfect! I love how you make stacks of books to prevent “tumbling” and how simple the shelves look. Now I just need advice on how to get my daughter to part with her hundreds of books!!!!
Melissa Kirtley
So adorable! I want a reading nook for me too! 🙂 Visiting from #BloggerCity
Ursula Carmona
Thanks for stopping by Melissa! Lol, well who say’s we can’t create one for ourselves, right! 😀