Most kids love to read, but often forget that they do. A forward-facing bookshelf is not only very space efficient, it is also a great reminder for kids that reading can be fun. In his book, The Read Aloud Handbook, Jim Trelease compares shopping for cereal with kids “shopping” for entertainment. When walking through the cereal isle, the super fun (often sugar-loaded) cereals are always front and center, at kid’s eye level and within reach. Why? Because grocery stores and food manufactures know that kids will want and often demand what the see right in front of them, so in other words, it works. Cereals displayed at eye level routinely out sell cereals on higher shelves. So, as Trelease suggests, why not use this approach to reading. By placing a forward-facing bookshelf in your play area, kids not only see the books, they will see the appealing front covers of the books and want to read. There are several different types of these bookshelves on the market, but there are a couple features you want to look for. First, ensure that the front cover of the book is visible (not hidden in a sling). Second, make sure it is deep enough to hold several books (so you don’t have to constantly rotate books). Third, check for durability as kids are often forget the art of being gentle. Lastly, make sure you have read The Read Aloud Handbook as it will benefit you and your children for generations to come.Bottom Line: Forward-facing bookshelves = kids who read (by choice!)
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