Inspiring first grade readers

My son's first grade teacher (whom I adore) asked me to help her jazz up a little reading nook in her classroom.  It's an area that's been created with movable walls (like the ones used in cubicles) where the kids can sit and read.  

My plan was to make a curtain/wall hanging thing to cover one of the walls that would be colorful and inviting...and maybe inspire the kids to read...:)

I started by measuring the wall, and cutting a piece of light blue felt to fit:

Then I added some ribbon to the bottom to add weight so it would hang nicely...I added a second row of trim too but didn't photograph it, maybe you'll be able to see it in the finished product photo:

I wanted there to be something to read on the banner/wall hanging...

I researched reading related quotes but didn't want it to be too cliche, so I chose to just use some basic words...

Dream

Imagine

Learn

Read

Using fusible web, I cut out the letters for each of the words, positioned them on the banner, ironed, and then zig zagged around them with my sewing machine...

I couldn't help myself from adding some big button "periods" too.

And here is how it looks in the classroom...
It fits perfectly and looks really nice.  It's just what that drab corner needed.
Some of the kids were very excited about it when I put it up...and the teacher liked it a lot, too...:)