If your toddler wriggles away halfway through a story, you’re not alone! Reading time doesn’t have to look like a calm, cozy scene from a commercial. In fact, making reading a playful and engaging experience can do wonders for your child’s love of books. Try these librarian-approved tips to turn storytime into a wiggle-friendly, laugh-filled, bonding activity.
Give Them Some Options
- Mix up the format – Picture books, board books, books with textures, or even wordless books. Different formats keep things interesting and let kids engage in their own way.
- Let your child choose the book – Giving them the power to pick what they want to read helps build buy-in and turns reading into something they want to do, not something they have to do.
- Attend a storytime at your library – Our children’s librarians are pros at making books fun. You’ll pick up great ideas by watching them work, and you can pick their brains for tips and tricks.
- Read with expression – Use silly voices, dramatic pauses, and animated tones to make the book come alive. Sound effects are also a big hit, try animal noises, honks, and other silly sounds.
- Pick interactive books – Try lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, or books with textures and surprises to keep little hands busy. The more they engage with a book, they better.
- Explore how books work – Let your child fan the pages, open and close the book, and learn the physical parts of a book. If they are interacting with the book, consider that a win!
- Talk about the pictures – Instead of reading every word, point out shapes, colors, animals, and count objects together. Or you can even ask them what they see!
- Ask your librarian for recommendations – We’re pros at finding quick, interactive reads for kids on the move. Request a custom booklist and we’ll send hand-picked titles straight to your inbox.
Make It Fun
- Read with expression – Use silly voices, dramatic pauses, and animated tones to make the book come alive. Sound effects are also a big hit, try animal noises, honks, and other silly sounds.
- Pick interactive books – Try lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, or books with textures and surprises to keep little hands busy. The more they engage with a book, they better.
- Explore how books work – Let your child fan the pages, open and close the book, and learn the physical parts of a book. If they are interacting with the book, consider that a win!
- Talk about the pictures – Instead of reading every word, point out shapes, colors, animals, and count objects together. Or you can even ask them what they see!
- Ask your librarian for recommendations – We’re pros at finding quick, interactive reads for kids on the move. Request a custom booklist and we’ll send hand-picked titles straight to your inbox.
Let Them Move
- Lean into their desire to move – Act out parts of the story together. It helps kids stay engaged and brings the book to life.
- Pair reading with play – If your child wants to fidget, color, or play quietly with a toy while you read, that’s totally okay. They’re still listening and absorbing the story.
- Attend a storytime at your library – Yep, we’re doubling down on this tip. Can you blame us? Our storytimes are packed with movement, music, and fun. Making them one of the best ways to jumpstart a positive relationship with books.
