Turning the page

Successfully encouraging children to read can be a challenge at times, but it is an important one to take on.  Reading is one of the most crucial skills taught in young children.  It encourages focus, a foundation that is built upon in all future years of schooling. 

One of the greatest benefits of reading is a higher aptitude for learning in general.  Children exposed to consistent reading early on are more likely to excel in all areas of formal education. Reading is a necessary tool for understanding all other lessons and subjects.  Additionally, it teaches concentration and discipline which is needed to thrive in school and life.  Being read to is extremely beneficial to young children.  Listening to a teacher read stories reinforces the basic sounds and words in language, thus improving the speech of a child.  This familiarity encourages better communication and interaction with other children and adults, while solidifying an interest in reading.

Sometimes, children may not be interested in books because they find the task boring or lack the attention needed to fully focus.  There are numerous ways to encourage literacy and make it an enjoyable event.  One of the most important ways to encourage reading is to have a large assortment of books for children to pick from.  Not every child is alike and their tastes differ accordingly.  Having a wide selection shows them there are more books to read in the future so they do not anticipate running out of choices.  

Need great storage items for your classroom library?  Wood Designs offers a variety of options such as book cases, book stands, and book displays to house all of your literacy items.  Frequent trips to the library can also entice children’s interests.  It is important to make reading a fun and enjoyable experience so why not use your imagination and create an exciting journey to the library?  Once there, create a game of finding books and seeing who can read their book first.  Create charts or fun diagrams listing which books each child has read.

Another important factor to remember when encouraging reading is that children need a comfortable and quiet place to read.  Children are easily distracted so it is important to set up a reading/literacy area that is far away from activity areas and doors so they can focus on the task at hand.  It is also helpful to provide a setting that is warm and enticing.  Comfy chairs and cushions welcome children to sit and enjoy the area with a good book.  Wood Designs has the perfect children’s furniture for your reading nook including cozy chairs, sofas, and benches that are just the right size for your students. Our Imagination Cube with its comfy cushion provides a wonderful space that is inviting for kids to cuddle up with a good book.

So remember the importance of promoting literacy in your classroom and what you can do to make it a fun and entertaining experience that will benefit the children you interact with for years to come.