Some days it all comes together, and we enjoy a wonderful time as a family reading aloud and listening. But more often a door slams as our two-year-old runs to grab her water, followed by tug of war over the coziest blanket, while someone decides they must know what we are eating for breakfast the next day and then we are reading the same line for the third time and I am not sure what book we are even reading.
In an attempt to help our kids settle into read-aloud time we changed two major things.
- Move to a place with fewer distractions – parent’s room, family room, kitchen table.
- We set aside specific toys for read-alouds – this is not a hard and fast rule, but it helps hold the kids interest when they do not get to play with the toys all the time.
Messy Busy Hands
Play-Doh
A classic. All of my kids still enjoy sitting down and creating with Play-Doh. I even enjoy playing with it!
Rainbow Loom
My friend recommended these – once your kids get the hang of it you and all your friends will be sporting new accessories!
Easy to Tidy – Busy Hands
Snap Beads
Necklaces, bracelets and rings are a few of the creations the makers of these beads had in mind. But to be clear these beads can be fashioned into much more than jewelry in the hands of creative kiddos!
Flower Stacking Toy
Endless beautiful bouquets for the table and all other surfaces of the house can be made and remade. These are easy for even our toddler to build!
Brain Flakes
There is something incredibly satisfying about clicking these little pieces into place. They are our go to for bedtime read-alouds and hold the attention of all ages (the youngest with supervision and help clicking them in place).
Puzzles
Careful to keep the puzzles within the kiddos ability so they are able to work while you read.
Other Read Aloud Activities
Many of these ideas my kids play with on a daily basis, but they are also great toys/activities to keep little hands busy while they learn to sit still and listen!
- Building Bricks
- Coloring Books/ Blank paper and Colors
- Wooden Blocks
- Magnet Blocks
- Simple crafts
I know there are more ideas out there, so let me know what you would add to this list!
emily emmons 
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