Written in collaboration with Emily Radford
Reading has been used for many centuries, not just a portal to distant universes but also a tool for profound personal growth. For our young ones, the role of reading cannot be emphasised enough. It’s not merely about deciphering words on a page, but about nurturing the mind, heart, and soul.
But it’s not just about reading – it’s about where and how. The ambience in which a child reads can profoundly influence their relationship with books. Here are just some reasons why creating a reading corner at home for your children is a good idea.
The importance of teaching your child to read
The very act of teaching your child to read holds manifold benefits and can help with their development and learning. Ensuring that your child is a good reader before they start school is an important skill for them to have. Teaching your child to read can:
Improve their cognitive development: Reading stimulates brain areas responsible for understanding, memory, and analytical thinking. A child who reads regularly fine-tunes these skills, giving them an advantage in their academic pursuits.
Helps them to build empathy: Through stories, children learn about characters from various backgrounds and cultures. This in turn helps to nurture their capacity for empathy and understanding in real life.
Assist in vocabulary & communication skills: Exposure to new words and their contexts improves vocabulary, language skills, and overall communication capabilities.
Top 4 benefits of creating a reading corner
1. Having a dedicated space for quiet reading time
Creating a dedicated space for reading offers children a consistent environment where they can focus and immerse themselves in stories. This distinct area, separate from the hustle and bustle of daily activities, minimises distractions.
Over time, just entering this space can mentally prepare a child for a session of reading. The consistency of returning to the same spot reinforces the habit of regular reading. Ultimately, this dedicated space becomes synonymous with peace, imagination, and exploration.
2. Having a comfortable place for children to relax
Comfort plays a crucial role in sustaining any activity, reading included. A cosy reading corner equipped with soft cushions, snug chairs, or beanbags, invites children to settle in and stay awhile. In such a comfortable setting, reading transforms from a mere activity into a relaxing ritual.
As children associate reading with relaxation, they’re more likely to turn to books as a refuge from daily stresses. This comfort fosters a positive relationship with books, ensuring they’re viewed as sources of solace.
3. Books are easily accessible to them
When books are within easy reach, children are more likely to engage with them spontaneously. A reading corner that showcases a variety of books beckons children to pick up a title that catches their eye. Easy accessibility not only increases the frequency of reading but also allows for impromptu moments of discovery.
These spontaneous interactions with books can often lead to some of the most memorable reading experiences. In essence, having books readily available fuels a child’s natural curiosity and encourages exploration.
Reading is an important skill for all children so surrounding your child with books at home can help establish a habit of reading in them. Reading aloud to your child, and even reading books yourself, can make your child more likely to want to pick up books themselves.
4. It also helps to cultivate independent reading too
A reading corner can also be instrumental in fostering a child’s sense of independence. With their own dedicated space and accessible books, they have the freedom to choose what to read and when. This autonomy not only boosts their confidence but also instils a sense of responsibility towards their own learning.
Over time, children develop the habit of reading without external prompts, making the pursuit truly self-driven. Through this independence, they discover their own literary preferences and pave their own reading journey.
Popular children’s books & authors for your reading corner
To make a reading corner truly captivating, populating it with a blend of timeless classics and contemporary tales is essential. According to a recent poll by the BBC, ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak has been voted as the greatest children’s book of all time.
Begin with delightful picture books from the likes of Eric Carle, with his captivating ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, or from the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. As their reading appetite grows, you could introduce them to the enchanting realms of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ by Lewis Carroll or the magical escapades of ‘Peter and Wendy’ by J.M. Barrie. Authors like Roald Dahl, with tales like ‘Matilda’ and the ever-popular ‘Harry Potter’ series by J.K. Rowling can become cornerstone additions.
Beyond fiction, also think about interactive educational books or ones that mirror their interests, be it space, the animal kingdom, or ancient civilisations. And, importantly, a well-rounded reading corner should celebrate diversity, bringing in narratives from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds.
You could incorporate some great children’s books for those starting school into bookshelves at home, such as ‘Feelings’ by Libby Walden and Richard Jones. This captivating children’s book helps teach young children how to recognise and manage their feelings and name their emotions.
While Jellycat is known for its FuddleWuddles, Bashful Animals, and adorable Amuseables, they also have a range of other Jellycat toys such as children’s books. Some of their books not only have interesting tales for children to read but are also made of a variety of textures and materials which help to encourage sensory exploration while reading. Children can have a fun and entertaining reading time with interactive soft storybooks like ‘Dino Tails’.
While there is much joy and many benefits of reading, the place in which your child chooses to read can also add a layer of magic to their reading time. Crafting a dedicated reading corner can be that special place where they lose themselves and find new worlds, where dreams are birthed and intellect nurtured. So, lay down that cosy blanket, set up a snug chair, and curate a collection of tales. Your child’s journey into the vast universe of words awaits.
