Reading dens

Summary: emphasise the adventure of books by creating a reading den!

Set-up: 5 – 20 mins

Play: 30 mins – all day

Complexity: Easy or more complex depending on your child’s den-building skills and interest

Materials

• Books
• A rug or sheet
• Cushions or pillows

Optional extras include:

• Ropes
• Washing line pegs and bulldog clips
• Torches
• Large boxes
• Tunnels
• Large umbrellas or parasols

What to do

Give your child a rug or sheet and challenge them to make a reading den in an unexpected place, or, with younger children, create a den together. One idea, for example, is to drape the sheet or rug over a table, indoor clothes airer or an open umbrella. Or children might use string and pegs to create washing lines to drape their sheet over. Make use of the affordances of your own space and furniture, for example a corner with book shelves that the sheet can be fixed to. If you have a large box, this makes a great den too. The den does not need to be extravagant and is not permanent, although some children may enjoy all kinds of home-making activities.Next provide cushions, a pile of books  and perhaps a torch and some snacks. There is something about the cosiness and adventure of a den that can make book-reading super attractive! Sit down with your child to read one or two books together, which is a very special way to strengthen your relationship.

Extensions

Make den-making more challenging by asking children to create dens with a limited set of resources, (such as a parasol, two lengths of rope and three bulldog clips) or that meet specific criteria (i.e. big enough for an adult to join you, or with a window to pass drinks and snacks through).

Make a sign for the reading den.

More books!

Provide a laptop or CD player to listen to an audio story.

Younger children might enjoy reading to teddy bears and dolls.

What learning does this activity promote?

Creativity, problem-solving, reading, relationships

By Dr Vicki Hargraves

PREPARED FOR THE EDUCATION HUB BY

Dr Vicki Hargraves

Dr Vicki Hargraves runs our early childhood education webinar series and also is responsible for the creation of many of our early childhood research reviews. Vicki is a teacher-educator and researcher living in Wellington. Her PhD drew on posthumanist philosophy to understand early childhood education as a deeply materialist practice, and her research and writing interests demonstrate her commitment to creative child- and community-centred approaches to education focused on social justice and participation, as well as attention to multiple ways of knowing and being in early childhood education.