Reading benefits kids in multiple ways. It improves their vocabulary and comprehension, develops critical thinking and analytical skills, boosts memory, and builds their personality and confidence. Kids who read regularly perform better at school and are open to learning new things.
But how do we ensure our students are reading enough? Typically, kids are more likely to pick a book and spend some time reading if they have a dedicated space for it. Therefore, a reading corner is an absolute must in every classroom.
Want some ideas to create a reading space that looks cozy and feels welcoming to your students? Check out the reading corner ideas shared in this blog post.
Creative reading corner ideas: Entice your students to read more!
1. Literacy Lounge
Pick a cozy corner of your classroom and create this mini literacy lounge for your students! Add a few bean bags, a matching rug, and an interesting quote to inspire your students to read more often so they can prepare themselves to become promising leaders in the future.
2. Imagination Station
Take your students to a land of wonder and imagination by creating this fun imagination station. Stock a bunch of fantasy books along with other genres to promote creativity and spark imaginative thoughts in the minds of readers. Place a comfy chair and put up a map-inspired bulletin board to go with the entire set-up.
3. The Book Graffiti Wall
Build your classroom’s reading community by creating a corner containing a reading graffiti wall. If your classroom walls are occupied with other items, set up the book graffiti using a chalkboard sheet on one side of a tall storage cabinet and use the drawers to store books. Ask your students to identify powerful quotes they come across while reading and write them on the graffiti wall for others to read.
4. The Bright & White Nook
A reading corner like this one will go beautifully if your classroom is based on a white theme. Choose a bright spot close to a window and use cubby storage to store books in different bins along with some subtle colored pillows and a rug to create a soothing reading nook for your students.
5. The Reading Adventure
Take your students on a reading adventure by setting up a fun reading space as shown in the image above. Add leafy garlands and a nature-themed poster to encourage kids to take on this adventure. Line up a few inverted storage baskets and place some cushions on them to create seating. Throw in a matching rug to finish the look of your reading corner.
6. The Woodland Reading Retreat
Bring the beauty of woodlands into your classroom by turning your reading corner into one. Buy a tree wall decal online and paste it on the wall along with cutouts of green, yellow, and brown leaves. You could even stick pumpkin cutouts to turn the entire setup into a fall-inspired reading corner. Display some books on the shelves and store the rest in bins for quick and easy access.
7. The Aqua Reading Nook
An aqua reading nook would be a perfect addition to any classroom that has aqua color as the main theme or has hints of it all around. Place aqua chairs with cushions and decorate a nearby wall using paper streamers and hang the word “READ” in the center. This makes an affordable reading corner idea, which you can decorate using basic decorative supplies.
8. The Playful Classroom Reading Nook
Make a playful classroom reading corner using fun prints and bright colors. Highlight the area by adding decorative pieces like #READ to liven up the space for your students. Use book bins in fun color combinations and place them in white cubbies or bookshelves. Make the area comfortable by keeping a colorful stool or ottoman and spreading a soft rug on the floor for reading.
9. The Rainbow Reading Retreat
If your students love rainbows, incorporate its seven colors in one of your classroom corners to create a lively atmosphere that promotes reading. Rainbow-themed rug, pillows, book bins, and paper garlands are some ideas to light up the space. Organize the books in rainbow sequence to enhance the look of the corner and to guide students to put books in appropriate sections when they’re done reading.
10. Colorful Story Spot
Want to engage your students and build their curiosity to explore a variety of books? Try setting up a colorful reading spot in your classroom! Bright and vibrant colors like red, yellow, orange, blue, and green make excellent choices. Bright white bookshelves with colorful book bins look eye-catching and can pull a student’s attention toward reading. Top it with some colorful bulletin board ideas to create a terrific reading space your students will love.
11. Read-a-thon
Brighten up your classroom with a “Read-A-Thon” board and reading corner! Kids can use this vibrant display to track their reading progress with colorful sticky notes, creating healthy competition amongst themselves. Place each student’s name at the bottom of the board and let them create new reading milestones by adding book titles they have finished reading to their stack. We love how this idea is a perfect blend of fun and educational engagement! Don’t you think so?
12. What We’re Reading?
Here’s another reading corner idea to keep track of your students’ reading endeavors. Just place as many sticky notes on a paper and put it up on a whiteboard. You may even place it on a bulletin board or on the exterior of a storage cupboard. Have your students pick their favorite books and make an entry on the reading corner, including the book title, date of issue, and number of pages they’ve read until a particular date.
13. Cozy Window Book Nook
If this reading corner is something your students will love, here’s how you can put it together. Select a corner with lots of natural light. Arrange bookshelves side by side and neatly organize the books by letters and themes, making it easy for students to find their next reading adventure. Place a bold “READ” sign and a playful “Book Hospital” bin to collect books that need to be fixed. Then welcome your students to this inviting spot to hang out with their favorite stories.
14. The Colorful Book Nook
This bright and cheerful reading nook emphasizes kindness and organization! Get this look by adding a kindness message to set a positive tone in your classroom. Club it with a colorful calendar and neatly labeled book bins to make it easier for your students to select books. Next, add in some pom-pom garlands and a polka-dotted rug to make this space both inviting and functional for your young readers.
15. Positive Affirmation Reading Nook
Crete this simple yet functional reading nook by putting up an inspiring positive affirmation on a classroom wall. Under it, line up several bins to contain books of different genres for your students to read and enjoy. Kids will love the variety, making them more interested in reading. This idea also works for older students who can do without a rug and cushions and read books comfortably on their seats.
16. Reader’s Rest Stop
We love this whimsical reading corner! The idea of using rainbow inflatables to create a fun and comfy spot for young readers to relax with a book is worth noting. The pastel “READ” sign and vibrant student artwork add a splash of color to this area, and plastic bins keep all books within students’ reach. Definitely a must-try idea if you’re looking for unique reading corner ideas.
17. Relaxed Literacy Lounge
If you want a serene reading nook that invites your students to unwind with a good book, you might like this one. Incorporate earthy tones like beige, browns, and whites, cozy floor cushions, and interesting pillows to create a calming reading environment. Plus, using natural elements like a potted plant and rattan light fixtures can add warmth to this peaceful literacy space.
18. Secret Reading Nook
Little kids love hideouts. So, why not use this idea to make a perfect hideaway for young readers? To make a secret reading nook for your classroom, hang vibrant curtains between two tall storage units and place fluffy pillows in the space between them to create a fun and snug retreat. Enhance the space with twinkling string lights to make it look like a dreamy spot for a quick escape into the enchanting world of books.
19. Reading Camp
Make a fun reading camp for all book lovers in your class. Place a teepee tent and throw in a soft seating cushion to welcome kids to read often. Decorate the space with paper garlands and matching storage bins to contain all the books that make up your classroom library.
20. Bookworm’s Paradise
No one can ignore a well-equipped reading corner like this. The giant wallpaper with a beautiful quote on reading will surely entice kids to grab a few books to read. Create a space like this by neatly arranging lots of books on each shelf and placing special words like “HAPPY” and “DREAM” to add positivity to your classroom. A dedicated space for a list of books already read in class would be a nice addition to this perfect-looking reading corner.
21. The White Light Library
A dreamy white reading corner full of diverse books and engaging displays can serve as an important space to nurture young minds. Match the décor with cheerful posters, bulletin boards, and a table stocked with supplies to make a dynamic space for learning. The stimulating decor and well-arranged books will encourage exploration and make reading an exciting part of a regular school day.
22. Storytime Sanctuary
Transform one of your classroom corners into a storytime sanctuary by adding warm wood-like accents, soft lighting, and inviting decor. One or two accent chairs and a plush rug can impart a home-like feel to this space and create a serene vibe for students to immerse themselves in a good book. Try this idea and see your students enjoy the tranquility of this perfect corner in your classroom.
23. Crystal Clear Corner
This reading corner idea appears crystal clear with a giant colorful rainbow mural, white book bins, and other décor items suiting the taste of young learners. A small plant, globe, and a world map rug add a nice touch to this corner, whereas the accessible bookshelves are great for encouraging independent reading in little children.
24. Fluorescent Book Haven
Fluorescent colors are extremely eye-catching and can light up any space when used strategically. Use your choice of fluorescent colors to highlight plain walls over your classroom bookshelves and use a contrasting sign in black that stands out as a classroom décor. You could also create a fun map with fluorescent colors to hang in this reading corner so kids can take a quick look at it to reinforce their map-reading skills.
25. Reader’s Wonderland
If you love the black and white theme, this idea is meant for you! Place 3-4 open white cabinets lined up neatly against the walls to hold books you want your students to read. Display some of them on the top to show a glimpse of the kind of books your classroom library has to offer. Use large fonts to put up a quote above this space so your students feel positive about building a reading habit.
That is all!
Setting up an inviting reading corner isn’t a difficult task. With a proper plan, you can create the best reading corner for your students. We hope the ideas shared in this blog post were enough to inspire you to create one in your classroom.
Once the reading corner is all set, welcome your students to pick their favorite books to read. And while they’re at it, teach them some self-monitoring reading strategies and give them a list of pre-, while-, and post-reading questions to support their comprehension and instill a love for reading.
I am Priyanka Sonkushre, a writer and blogger. I am the person behind “One Loving Mama,” a mom blog. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree along with an MBA, my healthcare background helps me deeply understand learning difficulties. I know how challenging it can be for parents to find the right resources to help their children excel in life. So, here I am to blend my healthcare expertise with my parenting experience to create valuable and helpful resources for parents and teachers supporting children with learning differences. If you wish, you can follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn.