Reading can be tons of fun for kids when they don’t mind staying put. But how do you fit more books into their day when they’re full of wiggles and would rather be running, jumping, dancing and pretty much anything but sitting still?
Ready to get your wound-up little reader to sit out the squirms, and charge up their brain batteries instead? It just takes some creativity and a few good tricks. Check out just a few below
1. Change things up.
Do you normally read at a desk, on the couch or at the table? Even just a little tweak to your routine can get kids excited to switch gears and focus. Try these:
- Head to the floor with some pillows and blankets, or grab an inflatable cushion.
- Have story time in an indoor tent or a blanket fort.
- Consider getting an indoor sensory swing for a relaxing little nest just for them.
The change of scenery alone might delight them and make them feel like they have their very own special reading nook.
2. Let ‘em fidget.
Fidget toys—or perhaps better called fidget tools according to this article—are a great way to help kids focus while releasing some of that wiggly energy. Give them tactile or stress balls, a fidget cube or other items that encourage movement while they read. Or you can try a sensory chew necklace to relieve your kid’s restlessness and help them concentrate.
3. Don’t focus on finishing the book.
When it comes to reading, it’s about the journey, not the destination. Give your kid regular opportunities to explore books and let them choose what, and for how long, they want to read. It’ll put them in the driver’s seat and take the pressure off, knowing they don’t have to continue once they’ve lost interest. Give them incentives and daily reading goals to encourage them to stick with it longer, like with our badges, quizzes and Reading Buddy on Epic.
4. Read when they’re in the mood.
Adults don’t always feel like reading, and kids are no different. There may be moments when they’re too tired, grumpy, overstimulated or hungry. Reading while they’re in the right mood is a more positive experience, making it easier to focus. Here are some ways you can set the stage:
- Make sure their needs are met: Don’t expect them to get into a book if they need a nap or it’s too close to dinner.
- Give them time to decompress after high-stimulation activities. Kids often need extra transition time to shift gears so they can relax.
- If they love to snack, treats and reading make a great combination!
5. Let ‘em pick their books.
Maybe assigned reading and classics like “Huckleberry Finn” don’t grab their attention the way we’d like. That doesn’t mean they don’t like to read. According to acclaimed children’s author Kate DiCammilo, “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore. It should be offered as a gift.” What better gift can you offer a kid than choice?
According to research from this 2020 report on kids’ reading habits, 72% of kids read more when they get to choose the material. So let them opt for what they love—it could be books based on favorite movies, comic books, audiobooks or image-driven books on high-interest topics like cars, LEGOs or sports. Remember: All reading is good reading.
6. Ask, point & discuss.
One of the best ways to engage your squirmy reader is through human interaction. Read a book together and invite them to talk about it with you. They’ll enjoy the face time and it’ll keep them hooked by thinking through what they’re reading. Some conversation starters could be:
- “What is happening right now?”
- “What do you think they will do next?”
- “What would you do if you were in this situation?”
- “Look at this illustration. What do you like about it?”
- “How do you think this character is feeling right now?”
- “How do you think this story will end?”
- “Can you think of a better ending?”
7. Up the interaction.
Offering books that encourage kids to interact with the material is a proven way to grab their attention and keep them engaged. Choose touch-and-feel books, or stories that incorporate see-and-find and choose-your-own adventure elements, like these options on Epic for all ages:
Ages: 4 & under
Larry is a sweet little monster, but doesn’t like to share. Your kid can “play” with Larry while teaching him how it’s done.
Ages: 2-5
This silly book “reads” your kid’s mind by guessing what they imagine (based on what it asks them not to imagine).
Ages: 3-7
This bright counting book helps your kids learn numbers while looking for fun toys, candy and more.
Ages: 5-7
This book lets your kid build their very own fairy-tale adventure. And once they’re done, they can turn back to page one and start all over again!
Ages: 6-9
This seek-and-find book challenges kids to find various hidden creatures, landmarks and more through illustrations of actual National Parks.
and Ayesha Lopez
Ages: 8-11
Your kid can work through three versions and 23 outcomes of the familiar fairytale in this choose-your-own-adventure chapter book.
So there you have it. Kids who don’t like sitting still can become enthusiastic, even avid readers with creativity, encouragement and the right books. Want more tips for wiggly readers? Check out this post from Book Nerd Mommy blog.
