Reading is much more than recognising letters or words. For children, stories open doors to new worlds, spark creativity, support emotional growth, and help make sense of the world around them. At Everyday Play, we believe that reading deserves more than a standard classroom corner. That’s why we design and install reading dens for schools, outdoor classrooms, storytelling chairs, and outdoor seating to make storytime inspiring and enjoyable.
The Benefits of Reading and Storytime
Reading and storytelling are essential for children’s development:
Imagination and emotional growth: Engaging with stories encourages children to imagine new worlds, empathise with characters, and explore feelings. This strengthens creativity, emotional intelligence, and language skills.
Social and communication skills: Reading in groups or taking turns telling stories helps children listen, share ideas, work together, and improve vocabulary.
Focus and wellbeing: A dedicated reading den or outdoor story area offers a calm, inviting environment where children can concentrate, relax, and develop a love of reading.
Group Reading vs Quiet Reading
Both group and independent reading are important.
Group reading builds social skills and confidence. Children listen, react, and share ideas, fostering empathy, discussion, and collaboration.
Quiet reading allows children to enjoy stories at their own pace, supporting concentration, comprehension, and independent thinking.
Providing spaces for both group and quiet reading ensures every child’s needs are met.
Shelter vs Open-Air Reading Spaces
The environment has a big impact on children’s learning and engagement:
Sheltered reading dens offer calm, comfortable spaces ideal for quiet reading or small group storytime.
Outdoor classrooms and seating let children enjoy fresh air, natural light, and the benefits of nature. Research shows that learning outside can improve behaviour, engagement, and well-being. One UK study found children in outdoor or flexible classroom environments were more attentive, motivated, and collaborative than those in traditional layouts (NCB, 2022).
By providing both sheltered and open-air options, schools can give children variety, freedom, and flexibility in how they enjoy reading.
Why Everyday Play’s Reading Dens for Schools Make a Difference
We help schools create spaces that go beyond traditional reading corners:
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Reading dens for schools: cosy indoor or sheltered spaces with themed décor, seating, and soft furnishings, perfect for individual or small group reading
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Outdoor classrooms: open-air learning zones that bring lessons and storytime outside, connecting children with nature
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Storytelling chairs and benches: dedicated seating to gather children, encourage interaction, and make stories come alive
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Outdoor seating zones: benches, picnic-style tables, or sheltered reading corners for relaxed reading and group activities
These areas encourage literacy, social interaction, imaginative play, and engagement, all while supporting children’s physical and mental well-being.
The Wider Impact on Learning and Development
Thoughtfully designed reading spaces offer children:
Improved literacy skills and engagement with reading
Enhanced social and emotional development through shared stories and discussion
Greater concentration, focus, and mental wellbeing
A love of learning and reading in environments they enjoy returning to
Creating reading dens for schools or outdoor story areas transforms learning into an experience children look forward to every day.
At Everyday Play, we combine creativity, craftsmanship, and understanding of child development to design reading spaces that inspire, support, and nurture. If you’re ready to enhance your school’s reading provision, get in touch to see how we can bring storytime to life with bespoke reading dens and outdoor learning spaces.
📞 01622 688343
✉️ info@everyday-play.co.uk
