Creating a Home Library for Preschoolers

Why Create A Home Library For Preschoolers?

Introducing children to reading at an early age and in their home environment fosters a lifelong love of books and literature that will benefit them socially and in their academic future. Young children are attracted to books because of their bright colours and the fun, textural interest of turning (and occasionally tearing!) pages. Being read to is relaxing for all ages, and quality time spent with loved ones, sharing a story in a warm and safe environment creates lifelong memories and supports the development of their vocabulary, comprehension, and concentration.

How To Start A Home Library

All you need to start a home library is to know where to find some books and a cosy place for your child to sit and look at them.  It doesn’t have to be a bookshelf lined room (although, if you do want to push the boat out, check out this incredible Narnia wardrobe leading to a secret library). A corner, a sunny windowsill with a place to sit, or any shelf or storage box that can hold books will suffice. If you want to go the extra mile, you could add pillows, cushions and plants. If you have the space and resources, a den, teepee or indoor swinging chair make fun additions to help your child escape into the exciting world of literature.

Finding fun and engaging books for your child’s new home library doesn’t have to be expensive, or even cost you a penny if you keep your eyes peeled for bargains and recycling opportunities. You can pick up children’s books suitable for all ages from charity shops and boot sales are often a good place to bulk buy books that span different reading abilities. You can also find excellent condition second-hand books on sites such as MusicMagpie. Dig out your own collections too, not all books that children will enjoy have to be written especially for their age group. Non-fiction books with lots of photographs on a subject that they are interested in such as trucks or animals are great additions to any child’s bookshelf.  Ask friends and family for books or book collections for your child’s early birthdays – they won’t miss opening presents and you’ll be able to stash them away for future reading.  If you have friends or family with children of similar ages, you could arrange a monthly book swap. Find fun printable bookplates online to indicate the original owner if you want them back. There’s a fantastic site here, run by the Children’s Laureate Anne Fine, with hundreds of free printable bookplate designs by popular authors and illustrators.

Poetry, comic books, magazines and catalogues and audiobooks all make interesting additions to a reading corner or bookshelf too. Or what about creating a story from your families own photos? These can be professionally produced with companies such as Snapfish, or handmade with craft paper and staples. Keep an eye on what your child reaches for regularly, and rotate books that aren’t getting much attention.

More Ideas For A Successful Reading Corner

Tailoring your child’s reading options to suit their personality and reading ability will help them to develop a confidence in themselves, their imagination and their reading skills. Here’s some more ideas to make your home library a place that you child will want to spend time:

Print out personalised images to hang on your child’s wall that transport them into a different world, superimposing their face in favourite scenes is fun if you have the graphics skills!

Record yourself reading favourite stories and give your child access to an audio device to play them on. Voice-controller speakers such as Alexa also have huge libraries of stories, fairytales and literature from around the world.

Add some word-based toys if you have shelving or storage space. The Early Learning Centre has a large selection of timeless toys with an educational twist that will introduce your child to letters, numbers and punctuation as part of their play from a very early age.

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Encouraging Them To Read

With a world full of screens and digital noise, getting your child to sit and engross themselves in a book can be a challenge. Once you make reading a regular part of your daily routine, children will quickly begin to appreciate both quality time with you and the fun and excitement that comes with discovering new worlds within the pages of books.

Young children learn by mimicking adult behaviour, so make use of your new reading nook to indulge in your own reading. Create a comfortable environment that your child will want to join you in and be part of, and make sure to read with them as often as you have the time.

We hope we’ve given some ideas for creating a useful space in your home to spark a love of books in your family. If you want more tips on reading to your child and creating fun and interest with interactive storytelling, visit the next blog in our Learning To Read series.

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