- Behavior
- Education
Listen up! You can help your child focus by reading aloud together
In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:
1. How to control the wiggles?
2. How to conquer distractions?
3. What are fun alternatives?
Did you know that, according to research, reading aloud is the key factor to long-term success in reading. But not every child can sit still while listening to a story.
So what should you do if your children fidgets, squirms or daydreams their way through storytime?
1. HOW TO CONTROL THE WIGGLES?
Not all children who fidget have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Some just have a lot of extra energy! So parents should summon extra patience and manage expectations.
“For some kids, it’s hard for them to sit still, especially if they have been sitting still all day in class,” says Megan Richards Bob, education and family literacy director for the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. “Some movement is OK. Parents can offer their kids other ways to release energy, like letting them squeeze a stress ball while reading or taking jumping-jack breaks.”
Managing expectations also can mean reining in reading time. Children can concentrate on a task for two to five minutes per each year of their age, which means a 6-year-old child can focus for 12 to 30 minutes. An extra active child may need shorter intervals.
2. HOW TO CONQUER DISTRACTIONS?
Richards Bob suggests asking your children how you can make reading easier for them. They may have insightful tips. If they pick up toys or play with items, remove them before storytime and schedule reading after they have expended a lot of energy.
“You can say, ‘Gosh, I can tell you’re really distracted today. What do you want to do to release some energy?’ Help the child get invested in helping themselves. It will give them life tools to help them refocus,” she says. “Also, after recess or winding down before bed are good times to read.”
Parents also can use breaks to teach mindfulness techniques to bring the child back to the moment. Short techniques of five to ten minutes include deep breathing, watching the flakes fall in a snow globe or simply closing their eyes and listening. For more mindfulness ideas, click here.
3. WHAT ARE FUN ALTERNATIVES?
Audiobooks, which parents and children also can enjoy together, are a great option if traditionally reading isn't working for your family.
Reading encompasses so many other things, Richards Bob says. Street signs, maps, cereal boxes and magazines all count toward building vocabulary and comprehension.
If a child consistently can’t focus while reading, parents can reach out to a teacher and/or doctor to test for a possible learning challenge. Testing also may reveal your child’s learning style, which can help you tailor a better plan for reading and studying.
SOURCES:
• Megan Richards Bob, education and family literacy director, Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
• Division of Teaching and Learning, Palm Beach County School District
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Related resources
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- Education
Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
Countywide programs to promote literacy for children and adults
561-279-9103 Website -
- Education
- Parenting
School District of Palm Beach County
Early Childhood Education — information on Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, Head Start and Early Head Start, which are designed to promote school readiness
561-969-5884 Website -
- Education
- Parenting
School District of Palm Beach County
School library media center resources — print and electronic resources for students
561-434-8000 Website -
- Education
- Things to do
The Society of the Four Arts
Children's Library — books, games and computers for use, as well as free programs, story times and special events
561-655-2776 Website -
- Education
- Things to do
Palm Beach County Library System
Children's Clubhouse — activities, story times, books, events and more.
561-233-2600 Website