How to create a purposeful reading area
Creating a welcoming and purposeful reading area is crucial in fostering a love for reading because it transforms the act of reading from a task into an experience. A thoughtfully designed space that is comfortable, inviting, and well-organized can encourage children to explore books with curiosity and enthusiasm. When the environment feels cosy and engaging, with ample lighting, comfortable seating, and a selection of diverse and intriguing books, it naturally draws people in and invites them to spend time there. Additionally, a purposeful reading area can include elements that inspire exploration and imagination, such as themed decorations or interactive elements related to the books available. This not only makes reading more enjoyable but also helps build positive associations with books and storytelling, laying the foundation for lifelong reading habits and fostering a deeper appreciation for literature. 15 years ago I had a class of reluctant readers, I grabbed a tarpaulin, a book about poo and headed outside and all 30 children followed! That was the start of our daily ‘Drop Everything and Read’ sessions! Read on for ‘The Three A’s’ of ensuring your child
Tips for success:
1. Autonomy
Children love it when adults go along with their crazy! Spend some time planning the space - get a big piece of paper and write down all their ideas. How many cushions? What topic of book? Where in the house? What fabric to drape? What signs it will need? How many books to out in it etc. One of my classroom reading areas ended up with books in some wellies and a goldfish!
2. Aesthetics
Aesthetics is key. Make it comfortable and inviting. The risk is to fill the area with too many books and when this happens stories get lost - consider having 10 books out and rotate them depending on conversations and interests. Experiment with different lighting (remember ‘autonomy’) and even take them shopping for a diffuser so it smells good!
3. Adventure
Your area should include puppets, some technology to listen to audio books or songs, costumes or at least masks and a variety of texts (fiction and non-fiction) - recipes, magazines, newspapers, top trump cards, menus, children’s dictionaries and books they enjoyed when they were much, much younger - you’re never too old for the Hungry Caterpillar. You simply want to spark interest...