Welcome to our Read-Aloud series!
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Read-Aloud Resources + Tip Sheet
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25 “Must-Have” Read-Aloud Authors
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10 Ways to Keep Hands and Minds Busy During Read-Aloud (you’re here!)
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Incorporating Reading into Your Daily Routine
Our oldest daughter is a snuggle bug. Her two love languages are physical touch and quality time, so needless to say, she’s always loved curling up on the couch for a good read-aloud session.
On the other hand, our younger daughter is a tactile/kinesthetic learner. Her body is constantly in motion, and she resists sitting still for a story. She slides down off the couch and plays with anything she can find within reach.
I used to let it bother me. I used to correct her: force her to sit next to me and look at the pictures as I read aloud.
But that’s not who she is–she’s an auditory learner, and she hears every word I say–whether I think she’s paying attention or not. I often find her later, sitting on the couch alone, rereading the book and looking at the pictures at the pace that suits her.
I’ve learned to be okay with our differences. Now we dance for 10-15 minutes every morning before read-aloud time, and I don’t mind at all if she chooses to play quietly during the story.
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Most of the time she brings out her favorite bristle blocks, school bus, and wooden people. When I’m done reading, I hear her acting out the story I just read with her little characters.
As parents, it’s important for us to determine if our children are deliberately disobeying us or if they simply cannot do what we are asking of them.
We also should ask, “Does this really matter to me?” After thinking about it, I realized that I would rather have a quiet, happy child listening to the story than have her grow up despising our read-aloud times because I made her sit on the couch with me.
If you decide to provide your child with quiet activities during read-aloud times, keep in mind that there is no “magic” product or activity. I’ll share some of our favorite ideas, but honestly — the BEST activity is the one that works for you and your child.
10 Quiet Activities to Keep Hands and Minds Busy During Read-Aloud:
- Bristle blocks (we have these)
- Puzzle
- Wooden people (we have these, in addition to the set with the school bus found here)
- Foam blocks (look at the dollar store)
- Pipe cleaners
- Water beads (we have these)
- Modeling clay
- Geoboard (we have these)
- Paper and crayons
- Quiet sensory items, like pom poms, cut straw pieces, etc. Children love to sort, count, fill, and dump little items —celebrate their contentment and read a chapter or two!
If you have any additional suggestions for quiet activities, I would love for you to leave them in the comments!
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Raising children who love reading doesn’t just happen. So let’s be more intentional together, okay?
Love that you give these tips. I was recently in two “classes” with my little guy where they expected them to literally sit in one spot for 45 minutes and listen to music or play instruments. The kids were all 3 and under. We let our son hold and fidget with his blankie and bottle while we read.
That makes me sad! Early childhood educators should know better.
I love how you pay attention to a child’s ability to listen and whether they are not wanting to listen. So important.
Great suggestions! I never would have thought of this but I am going to start introducing it during reading time. Thanks!
Yay, I’m glad it was helpful for you, Cheri.
My husband would get frustrated if our son wasn’t sitting and paying full attention. it just takes a little understanding when it comes to little people
Absolutely! A little understanding goes a long way!
Those are great tips. my kids are older but still loving the bristle blocks!
I think we got them for a 1st birthday gift?! So yeah, five years of fun!
Great ideas for our time here at home! thanks!
Melissa this is such a needed post. I’ve recently started experiencing the same with my dear Addison and instead of forcing her to pay attention I try to understand what she needs to enjoy the experience. I’ve noticed she’ll snuggle with me if we have her fav blanket and stuffed animals but I never thought to read as she quietly played. I also appreciate the non-tech toys chosen for the quiet time as that would defeat the purpose IMO!
I’ll also say interactive books have helped her focus on reading, too! Pop ups, moving parts, buttons with sounds. All helps.