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A Novel Way to Learn
As stipulated by the EYFS framework, reading and literacy skills should be considered an important part of a child’s development; in truth, however, the social, interpersonal and emotional benefits of an appetite for books stretches well beyond mere vocabulary. In our latest blog, Edusentials look at how to cultivate and nurture a healthy interest in literature through classroom furniture, combining book storage pieces and reading corners to build a dedicated, inviting space for children to learn and explore through their favourite texts.
Building Book Worms
Having a wide and varied library to begin with is a great way to encourage children to read more; naturally, each student will have their own tastes, from poetry to pirates, so offering a variety of texts is important to make sure each child is engaged and interested. Moreover, creating a dedicated space for reading such as a literary corner is a novel means of enticing younger students, and preventing books from feeling a bit too much like work.
Edusentials offer a range of fun, innovative and practical book storage items to help create your own unique reading corner. From character shelving units to our vibrantly coloured Red & Maple library range, these pieces aren’t just a means of housing books, but actively feed into a calm, soothing environment in which children can develop a love of reading and literacy. These can optionally be complimented by our versatile seating options, including our Classic Reading Corner and 4 Compartment Kinder Box, each of which stimulates concentration by minimising distraction and ensuring children have a comfortable space to sit and delve into new stories.
The Full Story
The benefits of a healthy appetite for reading and books cannot be understated, and extend far beyond linguistic development. Whilst building on and expanding their vocabulary, most books function didactically to help children perceive and decode social and moral situations; they inspire empathy, and aid children in understanding that the real world extends beyond their personal experience of it. Exercises that involve reading alongside teachers or even other students help to develop their core speaking and listening skills, as children learn to understand when it is and isn’t their cue to talk, and grasp the importance of paying attention to other participants. Furthermore, ‘dipping’ in and out of various stories over time helps to improve upon long term memory function, requiring children to recall characters and events that they may not consciously have thought of for several days.
Inspiring Page Turners
Books and reading corners, then, aren’t just a means of developing language, but facilitating communication. Thus, the classroom furniture and book storage items you decide upon must be more than just a practical means to an end; they must be part of an enticing reading corner that is equal parts inviting and educational. Supplementing fun book storage and shelving units with practical reading corner seating space helps to develop this purpose built area, giving children a dedicated environment to embrace their favourite literature, and all the benefits it carries. Browse our book storage ranges and reading corners online today, and feel free to share images of your own dedicated spaces on our Facebook page.
Originally written 1 December 2015