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Let’s talk reading decor! Whether you are a classroom teacher, reading specialist, or a parent creating a reading nook, how you present yourself as a reader or how you show your love of reading to your students can be infectious! Recently, I was looking around my classroom and thought about how bland it was and how my students couldn’t really tell that I am an avid reader. Yes, the students know that I work with them on their reading skills and that I’m a reading teacher but are they really buying what I’m selling if my classroom doesn’t show that? So I decided to do some shopping over my spring break to make my classroom more “reading infectious” (yes, I made this up).
Let’s start with the obvious
Books! Make sure you have lots of books in your reading space! Please make sure you have a variety of genres along with picture books and chapter books. Even if the kids are not ready for chapter books yet! These books can be read alouds if you are a parent or reading buddy books where an above grade level reader can read to a below grade level reader.
First stop-oriental trading
I have always enjoyed shopping with Oriental Trading for stocking my prize bin or for student gifts at holiday time. Their prices are reasonable and I like how you can buy in bulk. But did you know they have a good amount of items that will help promote a love of reading to kids as well? Me neither! Here is what I found:
Reading themed bookmarks-48 of them in one package! That could last you awhile! These bookmarks are great to use and you could put each student’s reading goal on the back of them.
“I Love Reading” Friendship Bracelets-I ordered these bracelets for all of the students at school to wear on “Read Across America” day. The clasp helped keep them on and students wore them again and again.
“I Love Reading” Stickers-Kids love stickers, don’t they? Stickers just make kids happy. Plus there are 100 stickers in each roll!
Reading Dog Tag Necklaces-These will be fun for students to wear for this year’s “Read Across America” day or maybe I’ll save them for our PARP month. (Pick a Reading Partner)
”I Love Reading” Pencils-I have found that even the students who claim to not like to read steal these pencils.
“Love to Read” Stuffed Dog-I have learned that reading buddies during independent reading time really do help encourage students to sit and read if they get to hold one. Now, I know that some teachers think “oh, what a great place for lice to hang out” when they see stuffed animals in a classroom. If you spray them with Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Spray, then the lice won’t be interested. I used this spray for my own kids for all of elementary school and on myself and we never have had lice.
Next Stop-Amazon
I then finger strolled on over to Amazon to see what I could find over there. Let’s be honest, the selection can stir up feelings of excitement. Here is what I found :
“I Love Reading Laminated Bookmarks”-these bookmarks are so cute and more durable because they come already laminated. I love using bookmarks and then putting the student’s reading goal on the back of them.
Encouraging Reading Stickers– These stickers are so cute and have sayings on them for them for those students who you know are not big fans of independent reading time.
Reading Brag Sticks-These charms can be earned as a reward. I would use them for the student who read the most minutes each week during your school’s PARP (Pick A Reading Partner) month or if your school reads for Ronald McDonald House.
Reading Poster for the Classroom– Reading posters for the classroom are essential for every classroom (yes, even at the high school level). We as teachers and parents often tell our kids that reading is important and that they must read but we don’t tell them why. This poster gives four good reasons why reading is important.
Reading pillows-Let’s face it, kids like to be comfortable when it is time for independent reading time. Here are some sweet pillows that give the subtle message of what they should be doing.
Reading Themed Hanging Streamers-These streamers would be great to hang over your classroom library.
Wait! What about Seating?
Don’t you worry! I didn’t forget about seating. I just saved the best part for last. Comfort is key to a good reading spot. Here are some fun items for you to consider:
For Teachers: I hope these ideas help inspire you to take a fresh look at your classroom whether it is just before the beginning of the school year and you are setting up your classroom or mid year and you know a reboot and some inspiration is needed.
For Parents: I hope you take these ideas inspire you to set up a reading nook in your home where your child can grow to love reading.
