Create a cozy reading nook

*This article first appeared on the General Mills Box Tops 4 Education Web site in October 2008.

With a special place of their own, young readers will cuddle up with books. Here are a few tips to help them settle in.

Children respond well to books when literature is made a priority in their lives. Dr. Vicki Folds, vice president of education and professional development for Children of America in Delray Beach, Florida, offers these tips for creating a winning reading corner:

Involve your child
• Search together for the best reading spot. It could be a corner of your child’s bedroom, an area in a hallway or a closet under the stairs.
• Create a pleasant environment by decorating a corner with pictures from old magazines or calendars. Or for a minimal investment, go to a printing store and enlarge book characters or make color copies of their favorite book covers. Add a lamp, a bean bag or pillows, and a small shelf or basket to hold books.
• To add your own original masterpieces to the reading corner, create books with your child by binding blank pages together. Each of you can contribute by drawing and writing special stories.
• Create a “Good Reader” certificate to present to your child each time he or she completes a book and display it in the reading area.
• Go to the library together and check out books that your child wishes to investigate in alone or with you for shared reading time.

Think atmosphere
Other ways to encourage kids to dig into books include:
• Provide quiet time every day for reading or writing
• Limit hours in front of TV/computer
• Read together with your child

“A reading nook will heighten interest and excitement in books,” says Folds. “When your child is involved in its creation, he or she will engage in the reading experience more readily and display a pride of ownership that will grow every day.”