Handling Youngens' during read-alouds

[growing _a_family]

Does anyone have some good "quiet" activites to keep restless little ones busy during read-alouds? We don't knit or whittle....which I've read a lot of families do during read-aloud time. I have them color sometimes, or build with lincoln logs (we've been studying pioneer days)....but I'd love to hear some ideas that others might have.

Thanks,
Sierra

Boys -- Ages 9, 7, 3
Girls -- Age 5
#5 due this summer

[inHistiming]

One thought I had, and will probably need to use soon, is to have play-doh ready for the little ones to 'squish' and create with while you read aloud. We've also done the legos or coloring while I read...my oldest ones even like to do the latter....and as long as they're quiet and can answer any questions/narrate when I'm finished then it works out. The rule is they will have to stop doing the activity if it disrupts or interferes with their retention. I guess for little ones who are'nt actually doing school or that you don't expect as much from, it would just be that they can't disrupt or interrupt the readings. Using stamps and pads with paper or sorting items by color/shape/type are also possibilities. If all else fails, you could try reading while the little ones are having their nap or 'quiet' time. We do this and it works out much better for now, b/c the 1 yo is just not able to sit for any stories yet, much less 'school' readings. Once she is a bit older I do expect to be looking for some ideas myself. I hope this helps, and I'll be checking back to see what others have to say. I'm sure you'll get some great ideas.

[GinainMD]

My oldest daughter has a difficult time sitting still so I allow her to bounce on an exercise ball. She also must be able to dictate what I've read and answer any comprehension questions that I might have. It took me awhile to realize she could pay attention without appearing to be listening

[jjcmehl]

Look at Tot School Tot Trays...a blog a mom writes with ideas to occupy young children....her ideas will inspire you (they did for me)!
http://1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotTrays.html

[Shawneinfl]

We have used legos/play doh as well.

[my3sons]

Welcome to the HOD Board, Sierra! It's nice to meet you. Why not read aloud at lunch or breakfast? I know a lot of moms do that. When food is being chewed the chances of talking are less (though chewing with mouths closed is another thing to teach dc ). Otherwise, I have my olders take turns playing with our toddler, and I do my read-alouds with whomever is not with the toddler. This makes the one I'm reading to feel very special, and also makes it easier for him to pay attention and participate more fully in the follow-ups to the read alouds.

In Christ,
Julie