Reading Nook Ideas For Toddlers
Setting up a dedicated reading space with a few reality-based books with beautiful illustrations is an easy way you can prepare your home to encourage your toddler’s interest in books and get ready for learning to read.
What Is A Toddler Reading Nook?
You really don't need a lot of space, time or money to create a simple reading nook to make it easy for your toddler to explore books independently.
Your toddler’s reading nook can be as simple as one or two wall shelves that are low to the floor, and a floor pillow to make the space inviting and cozy.
While it may be cool to convert an entire closet or a large corner of the playroom into a reading space, or set up a reading space inside a cloth tent, it's totally not necessary.
It's better to have a book nook that's done and ready for your toddler, even if it's not perfect, compared with putting it off because you're trying to decide on the perfect set up.
Try not to get sidetracked with a complicated DIY bookshelf project that you find on Pinterest.
Step 1: Choose A Couple Of Spots To Set Up A Cozy Reading Nook For Your Toddler
A couple of book nooks in your home is ideal because you'll display only a few books at a time.
You'll want to choose a spot for your toddler's reading nook in your toddler's bedroom as well as a spot in the living room or play space.
A couple of shelves attached to the side of a dresser, or a longer wall shelf placed under a window, won't take much time or money to set up.
The goal is to create a minimalist yet cozy space where your toddler can focus.
Step 2: Buy One Or Two Wall Shelves For Each Reading Nook & Install Them At Toddler Height
In each reading nook, the shelves will be about 8 to 10 inches off the floor and will hold just 5 to 7 books with the covers facing forward.
A spice rack from IKEA is inexpensive and makes a great wall shelf. It can be stained or painted to coordinate with your decor.
A clear acrylic wall shelf is another option that allows the entire front cover of each book to be visible.
Your toddler needs to be able to reach all of the books and return them to the shelf independently.
Be prepared to install the wall shelves much lower to the floor than you might expect.
As your child grows, simply add another shelf or move the lower shelf up.
To keep the bookshelf fresh, swap out books as your child's interests change or after trips to the local library.
If you think the reading area looks too plain, you could add an alphabet poster with beautiful illustrations to represent words starting with each letter sound.
Including an alphabet poster is an easy way to indirectly prepare your toddler for learning alphabet phonics.
Step 3: Edit Your Toddler's Book Collection To Reduce Overwhelm In Your Toddler's Reading Nook
By limiting the quantity of books available, you're making it easy for your toddler to choose a book to explore.
Just as with toys, too many books can be very overwhelming to children. Less is more, even for books!
It will be much more inviting for your toddler to explore books if fewer are available at any one time.
You're also setting your toddler up for success with handling books gently and keeping the reading space tidy.
No more rummaging through a large book bin or basket, pulling out random books to see the front cover and tossing unwanted books aside!
As you consider which books to keep and which ones to donate, always keep in mind that your toddler is in the process of figuring out how the world works.
Keep only beautifully illustrated books that are reality-based.
Books that feature fairies, talking animals and commercial characters confuse young children.
Toddlers are not developmentally ready to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
Stories about everyday family life are ideal for toddlers.
Offer beautifully illustrated books that inspire conversation.
Board books with real images of objects are great for enriching your toddler's vocabulary.
Check out lists of books for toddlers and preschoolers, or ask the librarian at your local library for some book recommendations.
Step 4: Model Looking At A Book In Your Toddler's Reading Nook
It's important to model how to look at a book so your toddler knows what to do.
Your toddler will absorb the process of choosing a book, handling the book gently, sitting to look at the book, turning the page only after the period of focus is complete and returning the book to the shelf.
Author: Lisa Adele
Founder of The Playful Path To Reading™
HAVE WE JUST MET?
I Made This FREE Training As Your Next Step To Help Your Child Learn To Read Using Phonics
© 2024 LisaAdele.com
