Creating a Reading Nook by Age

Research shows that 80 percent of a child’s brain development occurs in the first three years of their life. One of the easiest ways that you can make sure your baby has the best start is to read to them early and often. Reading provides the building blocks for language, helping them develop a rich vocabulary and means of self-expression. Although the earlier the better, there’s no such thing as “too late” when it comes to introducing books to your little one. No matter how old your child is, exposure to books is always beneficial. Create a cozy and inviting space in your home to make age-appropriate books accessible and foster a love for reading. Here are some ideas for building the best reading nook for their age:

Reading Nook for Baby

In the first year of life, your baby is mostly reliant on you to read them books. Choose board books with large pictures and bright colors to capture their interest. When your baby is around 6 months old, they may begin grasping some of the words that you read to them. Books with photos of the words they hear in their everyday life (e.g. milk, bottle, mama, dada, doggy, kitty) can help them make those meaningful connections. Around 9 months of age, their developing pincer grasp will allow them to turn board book pages on their own. 

An ideal reading nook will contain a Montessori bookshelf to keep their favorite board books low and easily accessible, as well as soft seating for you to hold your baby.

• Toki Kids Organic Cotton Mat in Mega: This large play mat is made from thick, natural latex foam. Ultra comfortable and cozy for sitting on the floor, the mat is also a great tool for your baby to practice sitting upright. Sit with your little one between your legs on the floor and hold the book in front of them.

• Toki Kids Bean Bag: This overstuffed, impossibly soft bean bag makes the coziest spot to sit or lay. Lean against it with your little one nestled in your arms for a relaxing way to enjoy book time.

• Piccalio Montessori Bookshelf: This low-to-the-ground bookshelf grows with your baby, allowing them to crawl then walk to pick out their favorite book. The open, front-facing design promotes independence, learning, and curiosity. 

Reading Nook for Toddler

Toddlers are able to grasp simple stories, so read them picture books with words that are easy to understand and are familiar to them. If your little one has trouble focusing on the story, pick books with interactive features, such as lift-the-flap books or electronic ones with buttons they can press. Books with rhyming words can also help your toddler learn pre-reading skills. Older toddlers who know the alphabet may be able to understand that rhyming words end in the same letters.

An ideal reading nook will have comfortable seating for them to sit or lay, and a Montessori bookshelf that displays their books in a way they can see them clearly. Encourage independent play by putting their favorite picture books where they can easily access them and look through them on their own.

• Toki Kids Bean Bag: This overstuffed bean bag is the perfect size for your little one to sit or lay. Ultra soft without sagging, this is a soft spot for flipping through their favorite picture books.

• Toki Kids Play Couch: This play couch converts to a lounger with a single flip. Whether your toddler prefers to sit upright or lay down, they can get comfortable while you read them books before bedtime. 

• Piccalio Montessori Bookshelf: This low-to-the-ground bookshelf is designed with Montessori principles to promote independence, learning, and curiosity. Your toddler can pick out their own books and browse them at their leisure. 

Reading Nook for School-Aged Child

Depending on how old your child is, they may be able to enjoy reading picture books on their own. At this age, your little one can grasp more complex stories, so even if they can read on their own, don’t stop reading to them! This is the perfect time to introduce chapter books with little to no pictures, which will expand their vocabulary and can teach them important life concepts.

• Toki Kids Play Tent: If your child enjoys looking at early reading books on their own, a play tent can be the perfect cozy spot for them to relax. Without outside distractions, they can focus on the words in front of them and improve independent silent reading skills.

• Toki Kids Bean Bag: This overstuffed bean bag is the perfect spot for them to sit or lay, either on their own or by your side as you read them books. Encourage them to get comfortable and listen to the story at hand!

• Mesasilla Solid Wood Rotating Bookshelf: This rotating bookshelf made from solid wood is like an at-home library! With a storage capacity of 300 books, it’s the perfect way to keep your bookworm’s favorite books organized and easy to access.