One of the most prevalent issues facing volunteer readers with the United Way of King County Volunteer Reader Program is the problem of engaging children that aren’t ready to sit calmly and listen to a story. It’s not that these children don’t find their readers fun and interesting, it just happens that a pile of blocks or a big messy pot of finger-paint can sometimes snag their attention before we can utter the words “once upon a time.” Though some children may not appear interested in sitting down with a book, attempting to engage these kids is still incredibly important.

The relationships that we develop with children when reading aloud to them help to foster language development and literacy awareness, and aid in building knowledge and developing new interests. But what can we do to help get children excited about books? This post will concentrate on that question, offering some great advice from Maren Ostergard, an Early Literacy and Outreach Librarian with the King County Library System. 

Why do children become distracted?

By the age of three to five years most children will start concentrating more on a single activity, but the average amount of time a preschooler will give something his or her sustained, undivided attention is still only about four minutes. One problem might simply be that the child is unfamiliar with the idea of having a reader in the classroom. As preschoolers develop their ability to remember past experiences, their attention spans grow regarding specific activities. So it follows that the more they read, the more their confidence will grow in that area. Another problem might be that a child isn’t ready to sit calmly and listen to a story. It’s important to remember that listening skills aren’t directly related to sitting skills, and as you’ll see in the advice that follows, we can use this boundless energy to our advantage!

Advice from Maren Ostergard, Early Literacy/Outreach Librarian with the King County Library System

• Give the child time to get settled before you begin reading.
• Speak in a voice that helps children listen—not too fast, not too slow. You can also change your voice for different characters, or let it go soft or loud depending on what’s happening in the story.
• Stop often to comment, ask questions, and look closely at the pictures. Point out details that the child might miss. Ask questions like “what do you think will happen next”, and during repeat readings of a familiar book, occasionally stop at one of the key words or phrases and allow the child to fill it in.
• Talk about the book and how it relates to the child’s real life experiences. Try substituting the child’s name for the name of a main character in the story.
• Some children find it easier to listen if they’re busy. Encourage them to pat their knees, clap, or sing along when you read rhythmic, sing-along books. You can also ask them to help you turn the pages.
• Model good listening skills. Give children your full attention when they speak. Be on their level, and make eye contact. Smile or nod to show that you’re listening. Be patient.

Additional Tips

• If you read during free choice time, engage a child that’s looking for something to do.
• When choosing books consider age, interests, and personality. 
• Choose books that you enjoy. Children can sense when you don’t like something.
• Let the child “read” a book that he or she has memorized.
• Encourage the child to sit still for gradually increasing periods of time, but don’t force the issue.
• Describe the activity to the child. Your words can help him or her focus.
• Encourage them to retell or act out stories. Finger puppets make great props.

Spread the word

 There are always more children that would benefit from being read to, so tell your friends about the program and share the opportunity to help create profound and positive change in our community.

Talk to Us

Have information that you’d like to share or a question you’d like to ask? Send your comments and questions to readers@uwkc.org.