Organizing a Home Reading or Teaching Space
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Cindy Cates-
A quiet corner of the living room or a bedroom, a wide hallway, or nearly any space can become a reading area. Avoid spaces near distractions such as televisions or video games. The area should have comfortable seating and a bookcase or other storage for books. Add lighting to reduce eyestrain. A table or desk is necessary for homework areas.
The reading corner will evolve as the family changes and children grow. For read aloud time with young children, choose a comfortable chair large enough for both the reader and child. This time is not only for reading, but also for bonding as a family. Stock the area with age-appropriate books.
If space allows, organize the bookcase into zones. One shelf of the bookcase may house magazines while another shelf is for books. Since writing enhances reading for new readers, place writing materials on another shelf or in a nearby basket or bin. Supply the area with paper, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, bookmarks and scissors. If needed, add magnetic letters and a magnetic dry erase board and markers. For homework areas, include rulers, calculators, erasers, colored pencils and crayons. Add a dictionary and thesaurus for quick references. Consider labeling the shelves or baskets to maintain organization.
Have a shelf or box for word games. Word games teach vocabulary, spelling rules, and rhymes. Designate an area for homework and class assignments. If space is limited, consider using plastic bins or baskets that can be stored and then placed near the kitchen table for studying and reading times. For children, doing homework or studying at the kitchen table with a nearby parent who is preparing the evening meal can turn homework from an unpleasant chore into family time by providing positive reinforcement for learning. Help and encouragement is only a step away. Homework and cooking time can be an evening ritual.
Children whose parents encourage reading from an early age do better in school. Reading aloud to a child develops the child’s cognitive, motor and social skills. Adult reading time can be the relaxing part of the day, and it models good reading habits to other family members. New readers need to practice daily to improve skills. An inviting reading space can help to motivate even the more reluctant readers.[[In-content Ad]]
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A quiet corner of the living room or a bedroom, a wide hallway, or nearly any space can become a reading area. Avoid spaces near distractions such as televisions or video games. The area should have comfortable seating and a bookcase or other storage for books. Add lighting to reduce eyestrain. A table or desk is necessary for homework areas.
The reading corner will evolve as the family changes and children grow. For read aloud time with young children, choose a comfortable chair large enough for both the reader and child. This time is not only for reading, but also for bonding as a family. Stock the area with age-appropriate books.
If space allows, organize the bookcase into zones. One shelf of the bookcase may house magazines while another shelf is for books. Since writing enhances reading for new readers, place writing materials on another shelf or in a nearby basket or bin. Supply the area with paper, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, bookmarks and scissors. If needed, add magnetic letters and a magnetic dry erase board and markers. For homework areas, include rulers, calculators, erasers, colored pencils and crayons. Add a dictionary and thesaurus for quick references. Consider labeling the shelves or baskets to maintain organization.
Have a shelf or box for word games. Word games teach vocabulary, spelling rules, and rhymes. Designate an area for homework and class assignments. If space is limited, consider using plastic bins or baskets that can be stored and then placed near the kitchen table for studying and reading times. For children, doing homework or studying at the kitchen table with a nearby parent who is preparing the evening meal can turn homework from an unpleasant chore into family time by providing positive reinforcement for learning. Help and encouragement is only a step away. Homework and cooking time can be an evening ritual.
Children whose parents encourage reading from an early age do better in school. Reading aloud to a child develops the child’s cognitive, motor and social skills. Adult reading time can be the relaxing part of the day, and it models good reading habits to other family members. New readers need to practice daily to improve skills. An inviting reading space can help to motivate even the more reluctant readers.[[In-content Ad]]
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