Many parents in a Vietnamese Facebook parenting group with nearly 200,000 members are actively embracing a movement to set up a book corner in their homes, aiming to steer their children away from digital devices and toward a love for books.

Duong Quang Minh, a teacher from the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, who initiated the idea, said that the campaign provides guidance to parents on seamlessly incorporating a reading habit into children's daily routines, following a practical and effective roadmap that has been successfully applied in numerous families.

The program is segmented into multiple sessions scheduled throughout 2024, starting with 12 interactive workshops from January 1 to February 7.

Following the introductory workshop, the program encourages parents to participate in a competition to create a reading alcove within each family.

“This space should not require a lot of shopping or substantial investments; it can be fashioned using readily available household items,” Minh said.

“The mere presence of a book corner in each household has significantly enhanced the likelihood of children engaging in reading.”

In response, many parents have enthusiastically shared evidence of their participation in the competition on the Facebook community page, showcasing the delight their children find in the world of books.

Do Quang from northern Phu Tho Province repurposed old mattresses, worn-out curtains, and his mother’s shelves to create a book space in his home. 

“I shared the idea with my son, and he was eager to help me realize it,” Quang said. 

“I let him join me in every step, from measuring and cutting fabric to processing cushions, setting up bookshelves, and arranging books.

“Indeed, when joy and excitement are sparked, children willingly immerse themselves in the experience. 

“Through this activity, I’ve observed that my son develops a stronger motivation and interest in reading books.

"Children also gain an understanding of the importance of repurposing items to conserve resources, fostering perseverance in their pursuit of goals."

Pham Thi Hoai Anh from Hanoi, who transforms the stairs leading up to her children’s bunk bed into a bookshelf and reading corner, said that tending to the space consistently brings immense joy to the entire family.

Anh emphasizes that the number of books in a home is not as important as the enjoyment and bonding that parents and children experience while reading together.

Vu Thuy Nga from northern Ninh Binh Province has put together a bookshelf for her daughter, using leftover wood from the production of tables and chairs donated by a colleague. 

Seat cushions were crafted from her husband’s old furniture.

“She was so happy with the book space,” Nga said.

“Each morning, upon waking up, she eagerly descends to the book burrow, choosing the tomes to read immediately instead of reaching for toys as she did before. 

“At the end of each reading session, she collaborates with me to rearrange the books, consistently ensuring they are correctly oriented, regardless of how I initially handed them to her.”

Tran Thi My Duyen from central Quang Ngai Province ingeniously reused a second-hand foam mat puzzle set, a rechargeable lamp, a book basket, and a homemade pillow to establish a book niche, all accomplished at a total cost of less than VND300,000 (US$12.22). 

“Upon returning home from school, my child is captivated by the corner, dedicating a significant amount of time to exploring it," Duyen said.

"Soon after, he grabs a book and immerses himself in reading, often forgetting about watching TV.”

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