My oldest son is in second grade. He just started reading chapter books on his own. I had to help him make the transition from picture books to chapter books. I did it with a child chair. I bought a really nice, good quality chair that he could cuddle up in. I filled a laundry basked full of chapter books from the local library. I had set the stage for learning.



I didn't need to tell my son what I wanted him to do in that kid's chair. He figured it out all on his own. He walked in his room, sat down in his and opened a chapter book. He read the entire book in one sitting.

For an entire hour he sat with interest and complete focus. When my son closed the book he walked into the kitchen and said, "That was fun, Dad. I read a whole book all by myself. Thanks for the spot to read!" I felt like the smartest dad on the planet!

I've spent a long time studying the ways to promote reading success and learning for children. After completing my master's degree in reading education I became a certified reading specialist. I now had a lot of head knowledge about what makes a child a successful reader.

You'd think that the best tips I would have to help parents promote learning would be complicated, but they're actually quite simple. You don't need to study in the field of education to find really good ways to help kids love books and learning. My very best tip is "Set the Stage." Give a child a place that makes reading and learning fun, comfortable, and relaxing. Make a reading spot that's just for them.

Today you have an incredible number of choices when it comes to "setting the stage." You can purchase child chairs that come with kid's sized ottomans, small upholstered rockers, kid sized mitt chairs that vibrate, child sized recliners, small couches and much more.

Whatever choice you make, know that that a reading nook will get kids excited about learning in your own home. You can expect a child to use "their spot" to cuddle up with a good book or their latest reading assignment. It will also become a place to rest, play games and talk with friends. Make a spot. You're kid will love you for it.

When I was a kid I read on the living room couch. Most of the books I had were unattractive and there were a limited number of titles in my areas of interest. Today so much has changed in kid stores and libraries. Fiction and non-fiction books on everything from pets, outer space, sea life, new discoveries, and mystery are filled with wonderful illustrations and photographs.

A child can have their very own little couch tucked away in their bedroom. Kids can have stuff that's just right for them. This is why you can't expect that the choices for "setting the stage" will be easy. There are so many wonderful ways to create a cozy spot, and so many wonderful things a kid can learn within it.

Don't be discouraged! A little bit of time, creativity and minimal expense will make way for a lifelong habit of reading. Imagine how exited you would have been as a child if you came home to sit in a chair that was just your size. Consider the wonder inside a stack of books that are new to you and just for you.

Today we can give kids so much more than we had. You will wonder at the possibilities that are out there. You won't regret having considered them. You might also find that a child sized chair, and a basket of books, become one of the most wonderful gifts you ever gave to a child you love.