Step 1: Set up a home library for your toddler. It doesn鈥檛 need to be large or fancy, but instead should feel cozy and inviting. You might consider including some stuffed animals and comfortable seating such as a bean bag chair or pillow, or even a small tent to climb into. You might paint the reading nook a bright, cheerful and inviting color or add murals of favorite characters. Provide good lighting in the library area.聽
Step 2: Include some of your child鈥檚 favorite books that are in good condition and are not tattered and worn. Start with sturdy board books that you have recently read and your child has enjoyed. Toddlers love to revisit books that have been read to them.聽
Step 3: When you introduce the reading nook to your toddler, be sure to give her lessons on how to care for her books. Model and teach how to turn pages carefully. Show her how to return and store books when she is finished reading. Remind her that books are for reading, not for drawing and marking.聽
Step 4: If desired, you can think of a fun name for the reading nook. It might become 鈥淢y Reading Hut,鈥 鈥淩eading Tank,鈥 鈥淚magination Cloud,鈥 鈥淐omfy Spot,鈥 鈥淚magination Zone鈥 or anything that you feel would appeal to your toddler.聽 聽
Step 5: Let your toddler have fun reading and exploring her books! Rotate the books from time to time. Add new books that you find your toddler enjoys. Remove those that she has outgrown or are no longer of interest.聽
Here are some books you might consider for the reading nook:聽
- Goodnight Moon聽
- Mommy Hugs聽
- Peek-a-Boo Morning聽
- Clifford鈥檚 Bedtime聽
- My First Words聽
- Let鈥檚 Go to the Park聽