What Does It Take to Create a Book Corner That Even Reluctant Readers Can't Resist?

If you’re a book-loving momma, then you were probably hoping your kids would inherit your passion for reading. Unfortunately, kids have their own tastes and minds, and there’s every chance that your child has become a reluctant reader or (the horror!) they don't read at all. This can come as an obvious blow considering your own passion, and from a learning perspective, you’ll certainly want to encourage them back to the bookish side. But if you push, they’re more likely to run in the other direction. So what can you do? Creating an irresistible book corner is one top option, since this can encourage children to use the space and potentially pick up books on their own as a result. It sounds like a dream, doesn't it? But it’s a goal you might be able to achieve by following these simple suggestions.

photo cred Nick Fewings, Unsplash

1. Make It Comfortable

A comfortable reading corner that comes complete with everything from beanbags to recliner armchairs is irresistible to most of us, regardless of our personal reading tastes. We all love to feel comfortable, after all, especially while sitting amongst books. Luckily, just being in this book-heavy environment can spark your child's desire to read, even if they hadn't intended to pick up a book. This is especially true if you organize the books in an enticing way, like sorting by specific topics that interest them or arranging book colors in a fun rainbow effect. No child can resist a display like that, right? Making a comfortable and inviting space might just encourage them to pick up a book, after all.

photo cred Josh Applegate, Unsplash

2. Keep the Space Multifunctional

If your child is going through a truly resistant reading phase, you can also encourage them by simply creating a multifunctional book corner. Maybe they don't want to come here to read (at first), but you could still tempt them with additions like board games or puzzles. These will prove especially useful if they’re book-inspired games, since they can encourage your child into bookish worlds, even when they aren’t reading. Engaging your child in, say, a Gruffalo board game could spark their interest enough to pick up the book version the next time they settle down here.

3. Spend Time There Yourself

If you have younger kids, they sometimes follow you around the house when they’re bored. This can be an issue when you want privacy, but it’s beneficial if they follow you into that book corner while you pursue your own reading list. Watching you enjoy a book could be all it takes to encourage your child to give reading another chance. Show them how you choose a book, and let them see you settle into a cozy corner to read. If your well-stocked book corner is filled with engaging books that get them hooked, they might even make it a daily habit.

Building a book corner at home is great for every member of the family, especially if you make it irresistible for even reluctant readers in the key ways we just mentioned. Happy reading!