Let’s Build a Reading Den for Kids

The advent of digitalization has given little kids huge exposure to the audio-visual medium in a greater manner. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced everything and almost everyone to go online. So, younger children have now become quite an expert in operating their laptops, computers, and smartphones. However, children these days are losing interest in reading books. They tend to, unfortunately, miss out on the pleasures of holding a book, smelling its new pages, and the physical touch of paper.

The best way to build your child’s vocabulary is through the habit of reading. Creative writing and the ability to put thoughts to words can only be ensured through an avid love for reading books. Nowadays, children are not that attracted to books. They would prefer watching web series and movies on their phones and tablets. Parents struggle a big-time bringing them to even read their school textbooks. However, in this article, we will attempt to help parents introduce their children to reading dens that will give them a sense of adventure and draw kids to books.

A reading den using pillows and sheets

What are Reading Dens?

Reading dens are a special place or set-up where parents and children can snuggle up and enjoy some quality time together while reading books. It could be a room that is entirely dedicated to such an activity or an artificial camp-like set-up, created using household objects.

Reading dens are not always permanent in nature. They may not always have to be in a treehouse or expensive tents and teepees. It is advisable that parents resort to temporary dens so that their children feel that urge and excitement to build a new one every time. You could challenge them to think of new ideas or simply provide them with a few objects and then ask them to build one on their own. The feeling of novelty or freshness is always enjoyable to kids.

Why Build a Reading Den?

Most children and adults prefer listening to audiobooks or watching visual adaptations of stories. However, the practice of reading books, whether using a physical book or through your tablet and computer, is imperative, especially for kids. As mentioned previously, it helps children increase their word stock, be more imaginative and creative, and remember several pieces of information gathered while reading.

Moreover, children have a very short attention span. They are likely to get distracted or bored if you only hand them a book and ask them to read. In this case, a reading den can come to your rescue. Kids love reading adventure books, fantasies, and fairy tales. Building a den for the purpose of reading will surely give them that feeling of adventure and mystery. This would further encourage them to look forward to such an activity.

A reading castle using cardboard boxes

Ideas for Reading Dens

Before we jump into the ideas for reading dens, we would like to share a piece of advice with parents. Just building a den and giving your kids a pile of books will not be of much help. Parents have to take the initiative to curl up with their kids into the den, take out a book and read along with them. Make sure both kids and parents are reading together. In a few days' time, you can let them read on their own and leave them in the reading den all by themselves.

Here are a few ideas for building a reading den with your little ones.

• The simplest method could be to gather a few pillows and cushions and a rug. Kids can spread out the rug and pile up the cushions to create a cave.

• Another easy way to create a reading den is to use a sheet, washing line pegs, ropes, and a rug or mat. Tie the rope and spread the sheet over it. Use washing line pegs to secure the sheet on the rope. Place the rug or mat and tug the edges of the sheet below the rug. It should look like a tent or teepee.

• Another simple method would be to use umbrellas and a rug to form a tent-like structure.

• You could also use huge cardboard boxes to form a castle for reading.

• You can create a reading den at night. Snuggle under a table and cover the sides with a thick cloth or blanket. Use a torch or candle to read books.

• Use two chairs and place them in a position where they face away from each other. Drape a blanket over the backrest of the chair. Place a rug below and snuggle in with your books. Some added decorations such as fairy lights and a plate of cookies would be a good thing.

Chairs being used to create reading dens

So these are a few great ideas to make reading dens. We hope your kids enjoy making each of these and that you are successful in inculcating a reading habit among them. This will also help you share quality time with their children. Fun and learning will come hand in hand if you try these out and share them with your friends and family as well. Also, you can check out our website for some exciting stories to read out to your kids in their reading dens.