5 Tips for Reading Aloud to Energetic Preschoolers

Are you trying to read aloud to a wiggly preschooler? If so, here are a few awesome tips for reading aloud to energetic preschoolers who just can’t hold still.

It can be a challenge! I do it all the time. The kids wiggle, squirm, and do headstands during the read-alouds. It’s distracting to say the least!

Keep kids engaged and occupied with these five tips.

5 Ways to Read Aloud to Energetic Preschoolers

1. Art Work

The biggest issue in reading to energetic preschoolers is the amount of energy they have. The kids simply can’t sit still. So you need to give your children something to do while you read.

I love to give my preschoolers art supplies while I read aloud. The kids can draw, paint, cut, and glue to their hearts’ content. Their hands are busy, their months are shut, and their ears are open.

Periodically stop and ask your children questions about what you just read to ensure they’re still listening.

2. Duplos or Legos

Duplos and Legos are popular with children, especially boys. They can work on their latest spaceship, car, or tower while you read.

Have the kids set up the Duplos and Legos before you begin. Nothing is as noisy as a preschoolers rummaging through the Lego bin looking for one specific piece. You’ll be drowned out!

Even so, Duplos and Legos are an excellent quiet activity to keep little fingers occupied while you read aloud.

3. Puzzles

Puzzles are the perfect activity to pull out when you begin reading aloud to your preschoolers. It’s quiet, unless the kids start shaking the puzzle boxes like a rattle. Each child can work on a different puzzle at the table.

And you can offer a selection of difficulties for the kids to choose from.

Young preschoolers can begin with wooden board puzzles while 5 and 6 year olds may prefer to complete 100 piece puzzles.

4. Blocks

When I read to my children in the living room, blocks are perfect to keep the kids quiet as I read. They can spread out on the floor and build houses or towers.

You can also pull out small dolls and animals for the children as well. Have your kids create a scene from the book while you read. Later you can have your preschoolers walk you through the created scenes as a gentle approach to retelling the story from a different point of view.

It’s a fun and different approach to reading comprehension!

5. Eating

I love reading aloud to my energetic kids while they’re eating. Their mouths are full, their hands are busy, and the kids don’t talk.

Usually I’ve found it’s best to serve the kids and have them sit down to eat before I begin reading.

Then in the middle of the table I’ll place pencils and paper for when the kids finish eating. After all, some kids wolf down their food while others nibble for hours.

It doesn’t matter. The kids are quiet while I’m reading aloud and not trying to do handstands in the middle of the living room!

Do you read aloud to energetic children?