Want to help your growing readers develop better reading habits and skills that will follow them to adulthood? Consider building a book nook in your home.
“A book nook is a space where a young reader is comfortable, relaxed, and can fully engage in a story,” says Deimosa Webber-Bey, Scholastic’s Director of Information Services and Cultural Insights. “The space can be tailored to a child’s daily routines, whether it is a cozy corner in the living room or a favorite bean bag at the local library.”
However, Webber-Bey notes that the “only limit to a book nook is one’s imagination!” You can whip up an impromptu nook in your car, in the garden, or anywhere you can get cozy with a book.
Why Is Dedicated Reading Space Important for Kids?
“We know that a reading lifestyle, including engaging with reading in the home in particular, is unequivocally linked to student achievement and to lifelong success,” Webber-Bey says.
Research shows that having access to books in childhood improves physical and mental health outcomes in adulthood. Creating a reading environment for your children may even lead to a longer life expectancy.
Building a book nook in your home is a way to dedicate physical space to reading. By ensuring that children have a comfortable environment for reading, book nooks can nurture a regular reading routine, foster an appreciation for literature, and boost reading comprehension.
Bulk out your book nook with all our best books under $5.
Essential Book Nook Features
“Creating a book nook can look different for every child but the most important thing is to focus on a cozy, inviting place or situation designed for reading,” Webber-Bey says.
Webber-Bey shares these suggestions for creating your own DIY book nook:
- Designated seating: This could be a kitchen or office chair, a bean bag, or even a pile of soft pillows. You can repurpose items you already have in your home. The key is to have a spot where kids can sit comfortably for extended periods. For example, at Scholastic, we have a rocking chair with a Clifford pillow in a corner of our library that invites readers to relax.
- Adequate lighting: Good lighting is crucial for reading. Natural light is ideal, but a good reading lamp can also do the trick. Growing up I shared a room and read under the covers while my little sisters were sleeping. Headlamps and lights that attach to books are fun reading accessories, and there are usually night light settings on modern e-readers.
- Book storage: Books that are put away, hidden, or out of sight are also often out of mind. A small bookshelf, or even a basket filled with easy-to-grab favorite reads, can make a big difference in encouraging children to read more frequently. For audiobook listeners, book storage is an online library of downloaded titles ready to listen to in the car or on headphones.
- Personal touches: Encouraging kids to add personal touches with their own artwork or crafts can create a sense of ownership over their space and motivate them to read even more. Kids can create bookplates or stamps to personalize their books and even invent unique organization systems.”
Building Your DIY Book Nook on a Budget
Webber-Bey notes that creating a book nook “doesn’t need to break the bank!” She suggests repurposing existing furniture and decorations or shopping garage sales and thrift stores.
Many communities also have local “buy nothing” groups on social media. You might be surprised to discover how much reading magic you can create for free!
Keep in mind that lighting is an essential element of any functional nook. Look for more affordable options like clip-on lamps or string lights.
And remember that creativity and love are the most important ingredients.
“A friend growing up also shared her bedroom with siblings,” recalls Webber-Bey, “and their father used fabric, hooks, curtain rods, and a pulley system so they each had a unique nook in the room for reading, writing, and doing homework without being distracted. The room was cool, instead of crowded, and at night it felt like a campground with lights glowing in various tents.”
Tips for Making the Most of Your New Book Nook
Giving children a sense of ownership is crucial when it comes to building better reading habits. The Scholastic Kids and Family Reading Report shows that letting young readers choose their own books helps develop reading skills and foster a love of reading.
In the same way, you can give your child the ability to make decisions about their reading nooks.
“You want to make sure kids feel ownership over the space, so they are excited to come back again and again,” Webber-Bey says. She suggests working with children to create book nook guidelines like these:
- Respect the space: Treat the book nook with care. Keep it tidy and organized so it's always a welcoming place to read. If your reader likes to snack, provide a place to set them down as well as a wastebasket. Define the book nook area with a sign and decorate it with uplifting quotes and lyrics.
- Limit distractions: A “no screens allowed” policy can help reduce interruptions and promote focus. Headphones or earplugs can help when background noise is impossible to avoid. Use a kitchen timer to set reading goals related to time (instead of pages) and gradually grow their attention span and ability to engage in sustained reading for longer blocks of time.
- Family book chats: Encourage kids to talk about the books they read daily with family and friends. Ask what they are reading and for them to share their favorite characters or parts of a book. In return, share what you are reading to make reading more fun and interactive. Talking about what you do not like in books is also bonding, informative, and can lead to laughs.
Webber-Bey’s final piece of advice is to “be a reading role model by creating your own book nook – and using it!” She notes that The Scholastic Kids and Family Reading Report showed that children are more likely to become frequent readers when they have adults in their life who prioritize reading.
“Nurturing your own reading lifestyle while modeling it for the children in your life is time well spent, and you will not regret allowing yourself a comfortable chair with a selection of good things to read in arm’s reach.”
Explore these great books for your child's book nook below! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store.
