The best thing you can do to help your child succeed in school 
is to encourage reading - no matter how young your child is! 
Research has shown that reading to your child not only forms a 
stronger bond between you, but also increases his/her cognitive, 
motor and social skills. And designating a space in your home as 
a cozy reading corner can make the experience comfortable and 
cozy for both of you. 


Here are some tips for making the most of your reading corner:

1. Find an overstuffed chair wide enough for the two of you. 
   Kids love to snuggle with their parents! (And parents love 
   to snuggle with their kids!)

2. Make sure that there is proper lighting in the corner. Don't 
   rely on harsh overhead lighting! Use soft, reader-friendly 
   bulbs in lamps which are the correct position to prevent 
   light from shining directly at eye height. 

3. Find a table to put beside the chair to hold the lamp, 
   glasses or additional books. Make it sturdy enough so that 
   kids cannot accidentally turn it over when climbing on your 
   lap!

4. Choose appropriate books for your child. Ask your local 
   librarian to recommend books or do some research online to 
   find books which have been favorable reviewed for your 
   child's age. One great way to engage your child is to make 
   your own books. Have your child dictate a story and type it 
   out on the computer. Scan in your child's artwork or pictures 
   that you child might tear out from magazines to illustrate 
   his/her story. Print the book out and bind with ribbon. Then 
   snuggle up and read!

5. Have a warm afghan or quilt in the wintertime to wrap you 
   both in a snuggly cocoon. It increases the sense of intimacy!

6. Buy or build bookcases for the corner which as short enough 
   so that your child's favorite books are easily accessible. 
   Have your child choose a favorite book to read together!

7. An ottoman or footstool is a wonderful place to put up your 
   feet while reading! And if your child is older (and no longer 
   wants to snuggle as often!), it is a perfect place for him/her
   to sit.

8. Gather stuffed animals as an additional audience when your 
   child begins to read to you. Kids love to have an audience 
   of favorite friends!

9. As your child gets older and is reading on his own, put bean 
   bag chairs in the reading space. Children love to "slouch" in 
   bean bags!

10. An alternative reading area may be a rug or maybe even a big 
    pillow on the floor. The most important thing is that your 
    child be comfortable reading.

11. Make it a point to read to your child at bedtime. It creates 
    a feeling of security for your child. Your special reading 
    corner may well be your child's bed!

12. Don't make reading a 'hafta" time! You 'hafta' sit up 
    straight, 'hafta' read this or that, or 'hafta' keep your 
    feet off the furniture!


Whether the special reading spot in your family home is a corner 
chair, a bean bag, a rug or a bed, the most important thing in 
it is you! Make the time to read with your children! Even 10 
minutes a day will make a world of difference in the life of 
your child.