“The simplest way to make sure we raise literate children is to show them that reading is a pleasurable activity. And that means finding books that they enjoy, giving them access to those books, and letting them read them.” Neil Gaiman
I love this quote by Neil Gaiman as it stresses the importance of showing children that reading can be a pleasurable activity. Having a warm, cozy place indoors to read makes the reading activity so much more pleasurable for children, especially when the weather is cold or rainy, and children believe that they become part of an adventure. I encourage parents to consider building a reading fort that would be such a place, beckoning their children to read, and read, and read. What a wonderful way to promote reading!
In my blog post a couple of years ago, I wrote about building a fort and that concept has increased in popularity. Now, more than ever, parents should build one, with the pandemic still affecting us, and children spending more time indoors.
There are a number of internet sites that provide a plethora of information as to how to build a reading fort as well as images of various designs. The sky really is the limit! The website scholastic.com has an article that provides a lot of helpful information. Have your children help to design the reading fort. Have books available that are about escaping to special, imaginary places, such as the series The Magic Tree House. And, be sure to add snacks as well!
At the website bookshark.com, parents are provided with instructions as to how to build a constellation reading fort. By adding lights, the fort becomes ever so much more special and imaginary. The adventure grows!
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