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  • Start
    • Homeschooling 101: What to Teach and When to Teach It
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The Importance of Reading to Children: Where?

November 11, 2009 //  by Jamie C. Martin//  3 Comments

Last week I began a series about reading aloud to children. In my first post I wrote about why we should read to our children. This week I want to discuss where we should read to our little people.

Where we read to them? Does it matter — isn’t the sofa a good spot? Yes, of course. In our house we do most of our reading on the living room floor. It’s easy, convenient, and all three children have an equal opportunity to share Mommy’s lap.

But there are also times to shake things up a bit. To make memories and follow the “spark.” Special times to form new traditions and fill everyone’s love tanks.

Here are some ideas to add variety to your storytime locations.

1. Make it fun.

reading
Photo by Anthony Kelly

Think outside the box. Read under the covers at night with a flashlight. Lounge in front of the fireplace. Throw a sheet over a table and make a tent. Dive inside with a pile of books.

Laugh. Snuggle. Enjoy.

2. Think cozy.

Have you ever considered creating a book nook? An awkward alcove in your home can be transformed into a unique reading area with just a bean bag or a few pillows. Children love special spots set aside just for them – it brings an atmosphere of magic and wonder to reading together.


Amanda Blake Soule of SouleMama recently created this cozy reading corner from a space at the top of her stairs.

3. Take it with you.

On a warm day, head outdoors with your books. But don’t pressure your children to read outside if they’d rather play. Just spread a few books out invitingly and see if anyone takes an interest.


Photo by Jamil Soni Neto

Last year on Easter Morning, we bundled up and headed to the chilly beach. Together on the sand we read the Easter Story, then let the children explore. I’m looking forward to continuing this new tradition on Sunday.

So branch out in your reading spots this week – make it work for you!

Where’s your favorite place to read with your little ones?

Category: methods & philosophiesTag: early childhood, elementary/grammar, literature, reading skills

About Jamie C. Martin

Jamie is an introverted mom of three, who loves books, tea, and people (not always in that order), and avoids answering the phone when possible. She co-founded SimpleHomeschool.net in 2010 and began IntrovertedMoms.com in 2020.

Jamie is the author of four books, including Give Your Child the World (reached #9 on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers list), and her latest release, Introverted Mom (an ECPA bestseller). Her work has been featured by LeVar Burton of Reading Rainbow, the Washington Post, Parents, Today Parenting, and Psychology Today.

Previous Post: « The Importance of Reading to Your Children
Next Post: Choosing Good Books for Your Children »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer Whitehead

    January 15, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    I love your idea of reading under the covers with a flashlight. Seriously, I don’t know why I’ve never thought of this. My 3 year old son loves reading and flashlights, he has them placed strategically throughout our home. He’s going to love this!

    Reply
  2. Brenda

    January 22, 2010 at 6:54 am

    We read everywhere! But our favorite is on a blanket in the back yard or at the park on a beautiful day. Thank you for this post. : )

    Reply
  3. Amanda

    February 10, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    As a child I rarely went anywhere without a book in hand. Two of my favorite reading spots were the front porch (especially during thunderstorms or on summer evenings) and in the climbing tree. Car trips make great opportunities for read alouds or books on CD.

    Reply

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