is it ok to let my dd color the dover coloring books during a read aloud? She is 10y.o. and this is her first year homeschooling. would that be defeating the purpose of the read aloud or if she can accurately retell the story is it ok? I just received my early america and creation study and picture study so im sure to have lots of questions to come.
I think that is perfectly fine as long as she can still tell back what she’s heard. There are other good mindless and repetitive activities that can be done during read alouds. Pressing silly putty between hands, building with legos (maybe not elaborate structures, but maybe patterning colors or something), stringing beads, braiding bracelets, etc. my daughter does light bright and magnetic mosaic pictures while listening. I allow her to continue as long as she can still give a good narration.
Yes. My 7 yo and 10 yo have some Dover coloring books. They use the Presidents and First Ladies books as we go through the Presidents with our history modules 5 & 6. They have also used Story of WWII in part of module 6. I think the visuals help, especially the younger one who has not been narrating long. After my reading, I require oral narration. I still have to ask questions to the 7 yo to get more from her. You could stop after a page or so for narration since it is new to her. As she gets better, you can read longer passages to narrate. They use Dover coloring books in their free time too (different titles).
Yes, many kids actually do better when they have something to do with their hands while listening. Just watch to make sure they can still narrate and understand and its all good!