How to Create a Reading-Friendly Space for Kids

Former president of Stanford University, Ray L. Wilbur said, “The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation.” Stimulating that child to read though, well, that can be a intriguing challenge, especially for nannies trying to encourage healthy, intellectual exercise for their little troopers. When working with kids who are resistant to reading, it is essential to make the experience as positive and enjoyable as possible. Here are some tips for setting up an optimal environment that is both comfortable and conducive to reading in order to help the kids you nanny learn to love, or at least tolerate, reading.

Set the scene:

• Find an appropriate space to set up your child’s reading area. Lighting is extremely important. In addition to providing artificial light for your little readers, you should set up the reading area in front of a window that receives ample sunlight. However, certain hours of the day provide too much sunlight and can cause glare, which can strain young eyes, soa quality set of window coverings to control the light level would easily solve this problem.
• Separate the reading space from the surrounding area. This will lessen distractions and signify to the kids that it is time to dedicate themselves to their books.
• Make the area comfy. A couple of strategically placed bean bag chairs can go a long way to creating a relaxing and fun spot for little ones. Incorporate some colorful plastic stacking cubes for storage to add appeal.

Make use of shelves:

• Kids enjoy having their own personal spaces. It helps with boundary definition and encourages responsibility. Designate each child a shelf or bookcase where they can begin their individual collections. As you allow children to choose and set aside their personal favorites, you help them express respect and affection for their books.
• Give toddlers, those little accident-prone bundles of joy, the shelves closest to the floor where they can access their storybooks, and be sure to guide them toward choosing sturdy books that can take a beating. Board books or soft plastic cover books, which have sturdy pages and can be wiped clean easily, are prime candidates for sticky-fingered readers.

Play music:

• Though it may come as a surprise, listening to music while reading can improve reading skills, rather than distract a child’s attention from reading. A recent Northwestern University study suggests that because reading ability requires the reader to make a connection between letters sounds and symbols written on a page, music can enhance the learning experience according to reports by Scientific American Mind. The study found that children that could keep the beat of a song respond more precisely to speech than children who could not.
• Not only does playing music encourage connections between beat and speech in young readers, but it also allows you to create a fun ambiance for your kids. Songs like The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” appeal to a child audience as well as an adult one, and playing different kinds of music allows you the opportunity to introduce your learners to different cultural and historical music.

Help the children you nanny fall in love with the world of words by creating a reading space just for them. Though they may be hesitant at first, with the right lighting, a comfortable setting, and some creative tunes, you can help cultivate all those “potential possibilities” in each child.