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They don't listen to read alouds
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My dc are 8 and 6. They don’t listen when I do read alouds, however, if I let them read it, they are fine and seem to enjoy it more. Maybe they get tired of hearing me in the morning, because at night if I read Robin Hood, they don’t want to stop. When will I ever understand my kids???
Would it help to have them sit next to you and read along while you read aloud? My DS (8) has mentioned he understands better when he reads on his own. I can relate, since I’m the same way! Lately I’ve been having him sit on the couch next to me for many of our readings so he can see the words.
LOL! It might be because they are not fully awake in the morning…AND listening takes a lot of effort!!! Therefore, at night they are awake, alert, and have got their wiggles out for the day!!! As I am typing this, maybe they need to get their wiggles out before you begin..not saying you said they were wiggling…I mean maybe they need to “wake up” their minds by exercising!
One ds has to read along w/ me..he is very visual..the other one does not and “pictures” the story in his mind!!
My first thought was like the others, your kiddos may just need some exercize before they can focus on a read aloud, or they may be more visual and need to *see* it as well as hear it.
The other idea I had was to allow them to *fiddle* with something- coloring (a picture of the story?), legos, or whatever. Some kids are able to focus better on listening if their hands are busy. Other kids get distracted. You should be able to tell which it is for your kids by their narrations.
Another thing to consider – at bedtime listening to a read aloud is the only thing available to do (and a great way to postpone bedtime!). When you’re reading aloud to them at other times of day there are things they would rather be doing. 🙂 Kids are smart. You’ll have to try different things to see what works for them. Some of mine do best when read alouds are done while they are eating a meal or snack. Some listen if they are given a towel or other ‘seat marker’ so they know where to stay for the duration. I do allow a small item to fidget with in your hands and one of mine MUST have this, while another needs to sit beside me because her draw is the snuggling. Everyone is different!
One last thing – break up the reading aloud with more active things.
I actually think I am going to put off read alouds till bedtime. They seem to enjoy it and yes, they like staying up later. Thanks for the comments, normally they get activity in the morning, but not during winter. Unfortunately, we are lacking space due to basement flooding, so our normal moving isn’t able to go on now. I may put in a taebo tape in the morning for about 10 minutes and see if that helps with listening. And yes, they are wiggly, but it is mainly the ds6. I have to remind myself he is young and very different from my dd.Thanks, Paula
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