Create A Kid Reading Nook

Reading is such an important skill for kids AND it keeps them quite for a bit. Win win :) We all know that kids love to have something that is "theirs" and a cozy reading corner will interest even reluctant readers!

Giving kids a space of their own teaches things that are just as important as reading. They can be in charge of cleaning up the area, picking out the books (if you do a rotation with books as well as toys), and you can even involve them in creating the space in the first place!

Setting Up
Do they want a tent? A rug? A beanbag or chair or just a lot of throw pillows? Blankets are also a great idea. Ask the kids what they want or pick out a couple of options and let them choose from among those ideas. It doesn't have to be elaborate or fancy but your kids will love helping design "their space".

Stocking the Shelves
Most people have a pretty good collection of books that have been given to them as gifts. If you have shelves upon shelves of books, I would recommend rotating them out on some sort of schedule. This allows your children to discover new books and not get stuck in ruts. It also allows you to figure out which books aren't so popular with your kids and you are free to pass those ones along to other children!

Book Display
I love the open shelves like the ones in the photo above because they make it easy for kids to see and select books. But maybe you don't like them as much or they won't work in the area you have available. Baskets, bins, and boxes work well too! If you are a library-going family, you might want to have a place for library books that is separate from the books you own. Having a designated places makes life A LOT easier, trust me.

Need some book ideas? Here are some books that kids love and won't drive parents crazy! I also have a Pinterest board that has suggestions for older kids.

Create A Quiet Time
Are you a mom who loves to read? Maybe you're more introverted and you need a bit of time to yourself in order to be a better mom to your children. Create time in your day when everyone reads - the kids in their cozy nook and you in another room! This gives you downtime and quite to read, write, or do something without having to answer questions and break up fights. Depending on your kids ages, you could do anywhere from a half hour to an hour. If you have kids who are reading age and some who aren't, put the littler ones in a spot with some toys and tell them to play quietly for a bit. Little kids can do quiet time too!!!

How do you inspire your kids to read? What are your top book recommendations for kids?