Building Strong Readers

As a parent, educator, and children’s book author, I have developed a love of reading since my childhood. It is not only my personal belief, but research also shows that reading in Early Childhood lays the foundation for future academic success.

Parents play a vital role in modeling everyday reading behaviors. As young children watch you read the newspaper, read a book, letters, and emails, they will begin to imitate pre-reading behaviors. Reading to children and sharing this deliberate time will strengthen the bond between parent and child, providing emotional and nurturing social skills. 

So, the best way to engage young readers at home is to create a DIY library space. With several easy tips, learn how to foster a love of reading and enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Library Nook

• Dedicated Space

Select a quiet, cozy corner in your child’s bedroom or another quiet area in your house as long as it’s free from distractions.

• Child-Friendly Bookshelves

There are many options to store books neatly, organize them by theme or favorite author, and create your library nook. Choose from mounted bookshelves, floating, or my favorite is the “RiverRidge Kids 4 shelves Three Cubbies Bookrack, White, which can be found here at http://amazon.com/. This provides a space for the books and has three cubbies underneath to store stuffed animals and a cozy blanket and pillow to read with.

• Comfortable Seating

Consider setting up a tent with a cozy blanket and pillow for toddlers and preschoolers. Then, add some extra lights; fairy lights would be pretty. Another simple idea is to take an old crib mattress and put it against a wall in a corner. Add a crib sheet, blanket, and pillows like a day bed, and it's perfect for reading! Lastly, you could simply add a bean bag chair like this Ultimate Sack Bean Bag Chair found on http://amazon.com/; the best thing is that it comes in various colors, and the cover is machine washable, too!

• Good Lighting is a must!

Natural light works best, so consider putting your library nook near a window. You can add warm soft lighting with lamps. Some other creative options include fairy lights or flashlights for reading on a dark, rainy afternoon.

• Décor & Style

When it comes to décor and style, let your child’s personality shine through, whether it's choosing the colors, type of seating, or books they like to read. Children can also create their theme, like a fairy tale castle or a camping theme. There are so many things to choose from! This allows children to take ownership and pride! They will enjoy reading in their special place made just for them!

• Organization

As an Early Childhood educator, I have found that the simpler, the better. Color coding with bins and placing coordinating stickers on the books makes it easy for children to put the books in the correct space. Another option is to limit the number of books out at one time; after they have finished reading them, rotate the books; they will be excited to have new books, just like going to the neighborhood library.

• Reading Accessories

 Reading accessories are fun and will enhance the reading experience. You can add a small table and chairs. Think of creating a cute bookstore atmosphere like the one in Barnes & Noble. Serve up some juice and snacks, and make it a special day! In addition, you can also add puzzles and alphabet letter tiles.

• Interactive Elements

Interactive elements include whiteboards with dry-erase markers, paper, pencils, and crayons. They can use these items to draw characters or draw or write about what happened in the story. Another option is to make a retelling story basket. This would include the characters and setting so children could manipulate the props to retell the story. DreamWorks Tutoring will start selling them in the Fall of 2024 if you wish to purchase them instead of making your own.

• Encourage Reading Time

Read aloud as a family. When children see you enjoy reading, they will become readers themselves. Visit your local library often and participate in Story time.

Happy Reading,

DreamWorks Tutoring