3 ways I make reading aloud with my kids fun

It won’t come as a surprise to those who know me, but I love books, and I love to read aloud with my kiddos. It can be a great time to snuggle, share stories, and just spend time together. But even with two children who really enjoy story time, it’s not always easy to find time or to set aside the day-to-day distractions. So how can we make this time more meaningful and effective, rather than a chore? Here are some ideas of what’s worked for us:

1. Make it a special event
   This doesn’t have to take much time, money, or energy. Think about what you already have at home. It might be a special snack to munch on during the story. It might mean everyone grabbing a snuggly blanket and their favorite stuffie. Maybe you can use your pop-up play tent or throw some sheets over a table to make a fort. How about making up a special song or silly dance that you do before starting? (I haven’t tried that one yet, but it sounds fun…I will post it if we come up with something.) Whatever is easy, but also makes the time something exciting to look forward to.
2. Give listeners something else to do while they listen
   Let go of the idea that reading aloud means everyone sitting perfectly still with their hands in their laps. That rarely works, especially with kinesthetic learners. Dig through your stash of quiet activities and let the kids pick something to keep their hands busy. Drawing, coloring, play dough, maze books, puzzles, knitting/crochet—all great activities and can be tailored to most any age/capability.
3. Choose stories that speak to all of you
   The Newbery Award winner might be critically acclaimed, but if it’s not your cup-of-tea, leave it on the shelf. The latest bestseller EVERYONE is raving about might be great for EVERYONE, but if it’s not for you or your family, move on. That’s not to say you shouldn’t challenge yourself or try something outside your taste sometimes, but if it’s just not working, let it go and find something that is. It’s just as important (perhaps more so) that readers be interested in the story as well as listeners—they will be the ones bringing enthusiasm and life to the story. There are sure to be stories out there that will fit everyone’s needs, you only need to look. There are lots of book lists to start with, but don’t forget about good ol’ word of mouth, whether that means asking your friends or checking out websites such as Goodreads.com where you can find people to “follow” who share your tastes in stories.

Now that you have these tips, grab a book and start reading. It’s that simple!