I’m sure at one point or another every homeschool parent has faced some struggles or hurdles. I am currently one of them.
I’m wondering… What (if anything) do you allow your children to do/work on during read aloud time?
I am dealing with two drastically different personalities – both are boys and the younger one is only 5. In a perfect world I would love for them to sit nicely (read ::perfectly still:: – realistic, right!?) on the couch beside me while I read to them. I am, admittedly, a recovering perfectionist. Since we don’t live in a perfect world, I am entertaining thoughts of how to keep them focused. Sitting on the couch with me isn’t working.
My hangup with letting them do something while I’m reading to them is mostly because I’m just not sure how much attention one can pay whilst also thinking about what Lego creation he’s going to make or what color to draw his dinosaur, etc.
Anyone have any advice or first hand experience you’d like to tell me about?
I taught first grade and would give kids play doh to use while readin the story. They would have to model something that had to do with the story. Then afterward we would talk about what they created. I was always amazed how well the kids were listening!
Laura, There are all sorts of little “fidgets” that kids can use which will help maintain their attention and control their wiggles. I’m thinking of little beads/cubes strings like this: http://www.officeplayground.com/Du-Beads-P1796.aspx, thinking putty or a stress ball. Another very low tech option is gum (more effective than you’d imagine as long as they don’t chew it all day long). Sitting in a beanbag or on a large ball (though this one can get out of hand) could be another option. Good luck!
Some children need to be moving to learn and requiring them to stay still could actually be distracting to them. Besides play doh, coloring sheets would be a good option. Try letting them move around freely, too. Give them catalogs to cut pictures out of and glue to paper. Pause and ask questions as you read to check comprehension. Ask what they think will happen next or why something is happening. You’ll be surprised at what they’ll retain when not having to sit still.
Thank you all so much for your responses. I’ve been letting them build (on the carpet) with wooden blocks and they are doing really well. AND they’re actually listening! I find that my almost 8 y/o actually stops when he hears something interesting and pays really close attention! They really did just need something to fidget with.
I’ve wondered the same thing, but my guys are pretty good at looking totally disinterested and then absorbing everything…especially when it’s regarding something I didn’t want them to overhear! Seriously, though, I agree that they can wiggle and listed. I’ve actually had my older boys correct spelling pretests and listen to me read their Bible for the day. They seem to retain it fine.