Colonial-Style Homes and Building a Reading Corner at Home
A custom-built colonial home, whether in a neighborhood called Glenbrook or anywhere else, tends to share a few familiar features: a symmetrical front, a central hallway, formal rooms on either side of the entry and bedrooms grouped upstairs. That traditional layout has one quiet advantage for families who want to raise readers. It offers plenty of defined, separate spaces, and almost any of them can become a dedicated place for books.
Finding the right spot
Children read more when books are easy to reach and the space feels like their own. In a colonial floor plan, good candidates include:
- The nook under the stairs, which is often small and cozy, and works well with a cushion and a low shelf.
- A front room or formal parlor that rarely gets used, which can become a family library with a comfortable chair and good lamp light.
- A window seat or dormer in an upstairs bedroom, where natural light makes daytime reading pleasant.
Simple habits that matter more than square footage
A beautiful room helps, but routine does most of the work. Keep picture books and early readers on low shelves with their covers facing out so young children can choose for themselves. Rotate a handful of titles every couple of weeks to keep things fresh. Set aside a regular time, such as after dinner or before bed, when adults read too, because children copy what they see. Borrowing from the public library keeps the shelves changing without adding cost.
If your child is struggling with reading, a cozy corner is a good start but not the whole answer. Our tutoring and family reading programs give families across Memphis extra support. You can also browse our reading resources for book lists and activities to use at home. Families who would like to help other children grow as readers can learn about volunteering with us.