Today, I am sharing 80+ ideas to keep kids happy and busy while you read aloud!
Do you have a busy kiddo (or four) at home? Do you struggle through your read alouds? Are you peppered with questions? Interrupted incessantly? Well, you aren’t alone. Today I am sharing 80+ of my best tips and tricks to help your read alouds go more smoothly.
Notice I didn’t say perfect. Our read alouds are the most treasured part of our homeschool day but they are far from perfect. I’m still interrupted. There are squabbles. And endless questions. And oodles of wiggling. Still, these ideas help! I aim for perfectly imperfect around here.
How to Keep Kids Busy and Happy While You Read Aloud: 80+ Awesome Ideas to Try!
Psst! You can check out these ideas and more here!
80+ awesome ideas to keep little hands (and mouths) busy while you read aloud
Here are my best tips for a successful read aloud:
- Pick something you want to read aloud. Excitement can be contagious.
- Give your kids a warning before you begin or, better yet, get them used to a simple read-aloud routine.
- Don’t forget the value of a captive audience.
- Add a snack and/or a beverage. (In our world, most problems are solved with popcorn and hot cocoa. Marshmallows or coco-whip optional!)
- Set the kids up with an activity so that their little hands are busy while you read aloud.
Here are some ideas to keep kids busy while you read aloud:
Psst! You can check out these ideas and more here!
Psst! You can check out these ideas and more here!
Are you looking to create a family culture of reading and joyful learning?
Reading aloud is the most important part of your ENTIRE homeschool day.
We have been homeschooling for over 7 years and every single day starts the same: I pour a cup of coffee and then I read aloud to my kids while they eat breakfast. We call this routine “Coffee and Books”
“Coffee and Books” sounds too simple, right? It sounds like a cheat, but here’s the thing- the very best ideas are the simplest ones!
This simple morning read-aloud routine fuels learning all day long. I can cover any academic subject, any area of interest, any area of weakness- and every child benefits.
You can do this, too.
You can craft a read-aloud routine that works for your unique family. It might not be first thing in the morning, and you may prefer tea over coffee, but you can rock THE MOST IMPORTANT PART of your homeschool day.
I’m a total book nerd and I’m here to help you take your read alouds to new heights!
I’m over-the-moon thrilled to share my tried-and-true “Coffee and Books” method with you. I promise this approach to reading aloud can have an immediate impact on your homeschool.
I’m going to help you grow your confidence and to create a read-aloud routine that you’ll look back on one month from now with a big, huge smile!
Sign up here:
Don’t forget you can see this entire list and more ideas here:
- The Ultimate List of Ideas to Keep Little Hands Busy | My Little Poppies
Not sure what to read aloud while you keep those kids busy? Check out these AMAZING and free booklists:
Keep kids busy while you read aloud and take those read-alouds to the next level:
I created a landing page filled with alllll of my favorite book resources. You can find it here:
I offer a free 5-day Coffee and Books email series. This simple homeschool tradition was unplanned and it’s oh-so-simple. Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest ones!
Join Coffee and Books here:
Tips for making your read-alouds even better:
- Rock Your Read Alouds with This Simple Trick
- How to Boost Your Child’s Read-Aloud Confidence
- When Your Read Aloud Routine is in a Rut
- What to Do When Bedtime Reading is Giving You the Blues
- Fight Grumpiness with One-on-One Reading
I have a vibrant group of readers on Facebook!
Join the Virtual Family Book Club at My Little Poppies:
