Toddlers’ attention spans get longer over time, so you might want to keep reading even if your child moves around. Some toddlers like to stand up while you read to them while others like to look at a page or two before moving on to something else. Some might not even look at you or the book, but that doesn’t mean they’re not interested or listening.
You want your child to have positive associations with reading, so instead of forcing your kids to fit into a mould, let’s change the mould. Remember, it’s perfectly normal for kids not to sit still. In fact, it’s good for them to move for their developing bodies and brains. Once you realize that, it will get easier for you to take a different approach to story time. Believe me, it will make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help you:
- Just keep on reading. Even if you think your kids aren’t listening, just continue reading because chances are they are in fact listening.
- Paraphrase when needed. Read until you sense they are about to check out, then covertly skip to one of the last pages to round off the story. This will give them a chance to celebrate finishing the book!
- Give them ownership over choosing which books to read. This automatically gives them a sense of ownership like they’re in control. It also increases their chances of actually wanting to sit and listen to the book as it’s being read.
- Don’t force your kids to sit still. If they want to explore the environment or play quietly then let them. They’re still benefiting from hearing the words being read aloud.
- Read during mealtimes or bath time. They will enjoy scooping up their food or splashing around while listening to you read.
- Keep their hands occupied. You can give kids things like paper and crayons, Playdoh, yarn, blocks, Legos, puzzles, or anything that will keep their little hands occupied while you read.
- Ask your children questions as you read. Whether they are jumping around you or fidgeting on your lap, point to pages of the book and ask questions. For smaller ones you can ask what they think will happen next, what colour something is or what sound an animal makes.
- Listen to books online or try audio books. It is rather effective as they are available for all levels. You can even pop one in the car while you go for a drive and hand your child the traditional book to follow along.
- Read to your child at bedtime. Set them up for success by choosing one short book and increasing the number of books and their length as her attention span increases.
- Try books that you can read to your child while they act it out or dynamic books that include flaps, different textures, and other novel items for your child to engage with physically. These will help them feel important and like they have a job to do as well.
It is important to keep in mind that it is developmentally appropriate for your little one to constantly be on the move. It helps them to absorb everything around them and keeping their hands occupied even frees up their mind to focus and learn more. So don’t be afraid to keep on reading while they’re running around or playing because believe it or not, they are still listening!
