I am a reading mentor, a bookseller, a storyteller and an early years educator, and I realized pretty early on in life that reading is a superpower. I am a big believer in books and their power to simplify the world, to improve your understanding of your surroundings and yourself. Their power to shape a mind, build character, develop a personality.
It’s these reasons and more that I always, always tell every parent that I meet to introduce their child to books and to do it early! Start them young and you make books a part of their everyday, a part of their routine, a part of their being!
And if you’re wondering just how to do that, especially if you live in a town where there aren’t any community libraries and bookstores, then this House of Zizi product is your answer.
Presenting the House of Zizi Bookshelf with wheels, the perfect tool for your child’s bedroom to make books a definite part of their life! This is a mini bookshelf, with personalization options and lockable wheels to facilitate easy movement and shifting. It’s small size makes it the perfect height for babies and toddlers, making it approachable for them and encouraging them to make their own choices. This is also the best part about this shelf, it empowers a baby to reach for books any time they like it, making books always accessible for them. So even if the adults don’t have the time to read to the baby, you’ll find your baby reaching for books on their own and flipping through the pages with their little hands.
Now setting up a home library is a very convenient way to make books a part of your child's life and our mini bookshelf is great for just that!
How to get started on your mini home library?
Pick a cozy, accessible spot
When picking a spot for your Mini Library there are two things to keep in mind. One that it should be in a part of the house where your child spends most time in, also that it should be well lit. And two, your book shelf should be at your child’s eye level, easy for their little hands to reach. You can add a soft rug near the shelf as a place for your child to sit or lie down and read and that’s it!
Start with a small collection
When picking books, always remember quality is more important. Start small, buy a mix of board books, picture books, sound books, pop-up books etc. Books about animals work with most children and books with big colorful illustrations go a long way too.
Once you have a big collection, then you can try book rotation. Rotating books every week/month to fit a theme or a colour or just for fun!
Make it a ritual
Read together everyday, before bedtime, after lunch. Also, let your baby choose once they start having their own opinions. You may find them reaching for the same book over and over, but repetition is important for your child, it’s comforting to them! Display books with covers facing out, this also encourages opinions and choice!
When books become a ritual, you’ll find your Mini Library turning into a powerful learning zone for your child. Here’s how:
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When books are always within reach, children start associating books and learning with joy and comfort
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You’ll find your child picking so many new concepts and new words with every story they read!
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Books are filled with situations that spark questions, not only making your child curious but also equipping them with problem solving, logical thinking, critical thinking.
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With frequent reading and storytelling, children learn to express themselves clearly, improving their communication skills as well as their confidence.
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Children are imaginative beings, but books give their imagination fodder making them story weavers and storytellers too.
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Stories about different characters from different places deepens children’s understanding of different cultures, and helps them understand emotions and perspectives.
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Regular reading helps build focus, patience, and the ability to sit for longer periods.
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Books offer a broad base of general awareness that supports learning across subjects.
So gift your child a world of wonder with the House of Zizi Mini Library! Happy reading! Happy learning!