Are your kids bouncing off the walls while you’re trying to read aloud? They’re squirming, giggling, and kicking while you struggle to be heard over the commotion. Instead of getting frustrated, try one of these 7 quiet activities!
7 Quiet Activities for Read Alouds
1. Drawing
Pencil and paper keep children occupied while you read a book aloud. Set your children to drawing pictures of the characters. Assign them to draw a detailed picture of the setting of the book. Or simply let them draw whatever picture inspires them.
2. Build with Legos
Building with Legos is a fabulous way of keeping kids quiet during read alouds. Have the kids pull out the necessary pieces before you begin to avoid the deafening noise of digging through the Lego bucket. Snapping pieces together will the hands busy and the ears ready to listen.
3. Sewing and Needlepoint
Hand sewing, needle point, and stitch are traditional ways of keeping the hands busy during read alouds. Actually I believe in the past the books were read to keep the mind busy while sewing. Regardless, reading great literature to your kids while they sew is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
4. Puzzles
If you have a puzzle lover in the house, puzzles are another quiet activity for kids to enjoy. Start with an easier 100 piece puzzle before moving on to 300 and 500 piece puzzles. Make an alphabet family photo for the kids to complete. Can they finish the puzzle before you finish reading?
5. Models
Putting together models is a challenging activity while leaves children free to listen as you read. Your kids can put together model planes, trains, and automobiles. Don’t forget the model dinosaurs, buildings, and ships in a bottle. Find a model which inspires your child’s imagination and let them glue.
6. Knitting
Along with sewing, knitting is another traditional activity while listening to books being read aloud. Kids can start with pot holders before moving on to blankets, hats, and socks. And there’s nothing like knitting while listening to a good book on a gloomy day.
7. Coloring Sheets
Like drawing, coloring sheets are a popular activity for keeping kids quiet while reading. Young children can enjoy simple coloring sheets. Older children may enjoy some of the adult coloring sheets that have appeared on the market recently.
These quiet activities are a wonderful way of encouraging kids to sit still and listen. You’re able to read aloud without competing with the noise and your kids develop a hobby which they can enjoy their entire life.
What quiet activities do your children enjoy during read alouds?
I like the idea of coloring during the story. If you are really prepared you can print out some coloring sheets that go along with the book!
One of those things that keeps my three years old girl so busy most times is pencil, drawing book and colour pack. She picks more interest in doing that than many other things.
Love the idea ! Thank you !