Any suggestions for read aloud time with kids of varying ages? Mine are 4 and 7. They want different types of books (obvi). My 4 yo flits about the room, distracting my 7 yo. I end up getting so frustrated because it feels like no one is listening!
Try giving your younger one something to do -- Legos, a puzzle, something quiet but physical. (It's also okay to read aloud to someone moving; say, jumping on a mini trampoline -- it doesn't have to look like you think it should look.) Also, know that this is normal 4yo behavior -- there is nothing wrong with your kiddo, and nothing you're *doing* wrong. The developmental gap between 4 and 7 is enormous, cavernous. So try to be patient (easier said than done, I know!) in building attention span and trust that it won't be this way forever.
As for wanting different types of books: let each one choose a book. Read two books. If one chooses a chapter book, that's totally fine, just decide how many chapters you're going to read aloud before you start. Whatever book your 4yo chooses is good for your 7yo, and whatever book your 7yo chooses is good for your 4yo. (And the little one *is* listening, even if it looks like they're not. The words are getting in. Just keep going.)
My kids are 4 and 7 and both really enjoy Ricky Ricotta series! But as Sarah said, we mostly let each kid pick a book and if my 7 yo doesn’t like brother’s choice he will either read to himself or play Legos and the same with my youngest. They’re also big puzzle fans! It still feels like my older child is more invested in reading and the idea of having set reading time every day but I know it is always worth it to keep the routine. My 7 yo will occasionally read to youngest too.
A wonderful essay. As a retired teacher and home-schooling mom, the only thing I'd add is that letting your kids see YOU reading for pleasure or information also counts. If there are books for them available and they see you choosing to read, even for fifteen minutes a few times a week, you are supporting their reading journey.
Absolutely. I've written about that many times over the years, but thanks for adding it here -- I think all of us, as parents and caregivers, need the reminder that reading *ourselves* should be part of our thinking when it comes to our children's reading lives.
This message was very helpful for reframing my 7 yo practicing piano- I have been saying that playing 10 minutes every couple days would add up and comparing it to reading seemed very helpful for him! My dad always quotes, “Perfect is the enemy of good,” too.
I have been telling myself throughout the year as I see my 7 yo stick to his beloved Dogman/Cat Kid graphic novels that I am happy he has found something he loves to read and I’m glad he reads them to himself more now because they aren’t my favorite.
for any other parents looking for different graphic novels, I Survived series and Ghost Book by Remy Lai are some both my kid and I equally enjoyed! Because he enjoyed BSC show and I used to love BSC at his age I am suggesting those graphic novels to him too!
I’m getting that calendar for myself, Sarah!
Wonderful! Good! I'm so glad.
Yes 🙌
Love all of this!
Any suggestions for read aloud time with kids of varying ages? Mine are 4 and 7. They want different types of books (obvi). My 4 yo flits about the room, distracting my 7 yo. I end up getting so frustrated because it feels like no one is listening!
Try giving your younger one something to do -- Legos, a puzzle, something quiet but physical. (It's also okay to read aloud to someone moving; say, jumping on a mini trampoline -- it doesn't have to look like you think it should look.) Also, know that this is normal 4yo behavior -- there is nothing wrong with your kiddo, and nothing you're *doing* wrong. The developmental gap between 4 and 7 is enormous, cavernous. So try to be patient (easier said than done, I know!) in building attention span and trust that it won't be this way forever.
As for wanting different types of books: let each one choose a book. Read two books. If one chooses a chapter book, that's totally fine, just decide how many chapters you're going to read aloud before you start. Whatever book your 4yo chooses is good for your 7yo, and whatever book your 7yo chooses is good for your 4yo. (And the little one *is* listening, even if it looks like they're not. The words are getting in. Just keep going.)
My kids are 4 and 7 and both really enjoy Ricky Ricotta series! But as Sarah said, we mostly let each kid pick a book and if my 7 yo doesn’t like brother’s choice he will either read to himself or play Legos and the same with my youngest. They’re also big puzzle fans! It still feels like my older child is more invested in reading and the idea of having set reading time every day but I know it is always worth it to keep the routine. My 7 yo will occasionally read to youngest too.
The mom guilt is so real! This is a good reminder.
So, so real. I hope this helps alleviate it a little bit.
A wonderful essay. As a retired teacher and home-schooling mom, the only thing I'd add is that letting your kids see YOU reading for pleasure or information also counts. If there are books for them available and they see you choosing to read, even for fifteen minutes a few times a week, you are supporting their reading journey.
Absolutely. I've written about that many times over the years, but thanks for adding it here -- I think all of us, as parents and caregivers, need the reminder that reading *ourselves* should be part of our thinking when it comes to our children's reading lives.
Thank you, Sarah
(You know one of those original comments was yours, right? I wrote this for you.)
Umm, yes, I recognized my own anxious words. I will repeat to myself this summer "I am doing my best, my kids are fine."
Thanks you 💜
If that ever fails, you know how to find me -- I'll tell you as many times as you need to hear it.
This message was very helpful for reframing my 7 yo practicing piano- I have been saying that playing 10 minutes every couple days would add up and comparing it to reading seemed very helpful for him! My dad always quotes, “Perfect is the enemy of good,” too.
I have been telling myself throughout the year as I see my 7 yo stick to his beloved Dogman/Cat Kid graphic novels that I am happy he has found something he loves to read and I’m glad he reads them to himself more now because they aren’t my favorite.
for any other parents looking for different graphic novels, I Survived series and Ghost Book by Remy Lai are some both my kid and I equally enjoyed! Because he enjoyed BSC show and I used to love BSC at his age I am suggesting those graphic novels to him too!
You're doing an amazing job, Elizabeth 👏