Keeping a bookcase in your child's bedroom is a great way to encourage your child to read books.
It also develops a love for collecting favorite books because it provides a place to display the collection.
The first step to adding a bookcase to your child’s bedroom is to decide where the bookcase will be placed. You will want it to be situated in an area that allows for easy access to the books. Also, the bookcase should a visible from all parts of the bedroom.
Don’t place the bookcase behind a desk where the desk obstructs the view of the bookcase. You will also want room in front of the books so that the child can comfortably stand or sit in front of the bookcase when he is choosing a book to read.
The height of the bookcase should depend on the size of the child. If the child is a toddler, a bookcase with three shelves will be a good size for him. If the child is older, about ten-years-old or older, a taller bookcase might be best because he is at an age when he can reach most or all of the taller shelves.
Once the bookcase is in place it is time to begin adding books.
For toddlers, parents should set up the bookshelves so that they invite the toddler to sit in front of the bookcase. To do this, set the books on the shelves so that the covers face front, inviting toddlers to look inside the books. Also, include a few favorite toys and stuff animals on the shelves to hold the toddler’s interest.
Periodic changes to the toddler’s bookshelves also help the toddler retain an interest in what surprises the bookcase holds for him.
Older children should be allowed to set up their bookshelves with minimum help from an adult.
At this age, parents should be involved in helping the older child maintain an interest in books. To do this, help the child collect all the books in a favorite series. Surprise book gifts also generate interest in reading and upkeep of the bookcase.
As children grow, so do their tastes in books. It is best to periodically go through the books in the bookcase and decide with the child which books should be donated to charity and which books can be placed in storage.
The most important thing about keeping a child’s interest in his bookcase is to always make certain that there is room for more books. Over-stacked bookcases are a distraction and don’t invite use. Keep at least one shelf sparse so as to invite the child to find new books to read.
