Read Aloud Resources

Read Aloud Resources > Challenges and Solutions

• Some children may have short attention spans. Encourage a child to sit and listen, but do not force them to do so.
• The story may be too long and therefore not stimulating for young children.
• Other activities are more attractive at the moment, or there are distractions and noises nearby.
• The setting is uncomfortable; i.e. hard floor, room is too cold, or too hot.
• Some children may be less mature than others, or may have physical limitations such as being hungry, thirsty, or sleepy.
• Children are being expected to sit still too long.

Possible solutions to these issues:

• Encourage positive participation for especially restless children, for example: ask them to hold the book, turn the page, answer questions about the story, etc.
• Use the name of the child who is having difficulties listening to the story to keep their attention.
• Children will be more involved if they can see the pictures; so, be sure to show the pictures throughout the story.
• If a story isn't working - stop reading it and switch to a new one; or skip pages to finish it quickly and move on to a new book.
• Sit on the floor with the children, so they can experience the closeness made possible through reading aloud together.

Positive memories about books, create positive attitudes towards reading!