Books and Busy Bodies
You don’t need to sit perfectly still with your kids to read together. Remember that every effort to read makes a difference, even if you can’t seem to sit calmly on the couch together. Follow our tips below for taking all that busy body energy and making reading more memorable.
Reframe Expectations
- Read until your kids are done, whether that's one minute or twenty. Don't force it, just try again later.
- Point out pictures if no one can focus. Kids are learning as long as they're interested, even if they're not reading words.
- Give summaries of the story at the end, even if it feels like no one is listening. Kids pick up more than you think.
- Revisit the same book again and again if your kids like it. Rereading rebuilds vocabulary, memory, and confidence.
- Allow your kids to read their way, even if that's upside down on the couch or clinging to your legs.
- Allow interruptions or questions about the story, even if they're silly. It's a good sign that your kids are listening.
- The goal is to make reading fun, not finish every page. You can always try again later.
Change Your Timing
- Wait an hour or two if your kids just don't want to read.
- Read once your kids have gotten some exercise, so they get their wiggles out early.
- Hold storytime at a different time of day, like the morning, afternoon, or evening.
- Have a book ready for when your kids tire out, then read while they're calm.
- Try reading in new situations, like when calmer cousins or friends are playing with your kids.
- Keep trying until you find what works best for you and your kids.
Make Reading Physical
- Find books that are interactive, with fill-in-the-blanks or pullable tabs to play with.
- Give your kids toys that match the story. Put those items in a Prop Box so you have them ready when you need them.
- Keep kids' hands busy with a creative outlet, like crayons or crafts that match the book.
- Allow your kids to dress up using some of your spare clothes. Costumes are great for kids who love to move.
- Stand up and try reading the book as a play. If you need ideas to start, we have tips for turning your kid's excess energy into excitement.