Reading Hut

As I mentioned, I've been spending a lot of time in my classroom the last week to get ready for my little ones' arrival. I decided to do a jungle/wild animals theme for my classroom this year. One thing that I really wanted in the room was a "reading hut/tent" for my library center. My hope is that a reading tent will make the library center more appealing and be a quiet place for a child to enjoy a book.

For several days I couldn't quite figure out how to make the hut and then one day I came up with a solution. As with with everything I do, I wanted this to be a cheap option so I wanted to use materials that I already had in my classroom. Here's what I used:

Images found here, here, here, and here.

Because I had the yarn, stapler, and hula hoop on hand, I only purchased the drop cloth ($5 from Home Depot). Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of the process (mostly because I didn't think it would actually work!) but it was super easy.
1. I used the yarn to make a "web" around the hula hoop.
2. I stapled the drop cloth around the hula hoop.
3. I used another length of yarn to tie the finished product up to a hook on the wall.

4. I draped an extra piece of fabric over the top to create the "tent" top.
As you can see I also added Christmas lights to the inside of the hut. However, these probably will come down since they probably aren't the most fire-hazzard-free option!

I am excited that I was able to accomplish this little corner in my classroom! I know my little readers will be excited for a turn to read in the hut.