Homeschool World Forum

gellegbs · User Joined: 11 Dec 2007 Posts: 60 Location: Texas, USA

I have 4 kids 8, 7, 3 and 1 1/2. The younger ones do not have a large enough attention span to listen to a whole story. Should I read to just the younger ones? Or all of them separately? If so how often and for how long? Thanks, I'm looking for suggestions.

riccalo · User Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 95 Location: United States

gellegbs · User Joined: 11 Dec 2007 Posts: 60 Location: Texas, USA

yes thanks

momo3boys · User Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 574 Location: Western Mass

I am reading Dr. Do little to all three of my boys, 10, 8 and 3. The older two listen, and usually have their hands moving (they are boys after all) the youngest plays cars, or stuffed animals when he loses his attention, but it is interesting how much he actually gets. When we get to a good part, or he hears my voice rise in excitement he will very quickly come over and be very attentive and start asking questions, or looking for pictures. I don't think we give our little ones enough credit.
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Phi 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

gardening momma · User Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Posts: 61 Location: Ohio

My husband and I read to our kids every night at bedtime (and at other times throughout the day as well, but always at bedtime). He puts one to bed and I do the other, and we switch kids each night. Our girls are 2 and 4. We started with very simple books, sometimes just one word per page, and built up from there. The younger one can sit still for short, simple stories now (a sentence or so per page), and the older one can sit still for longer books. Lately we've been reading to her from some of my husbands old reading books from when he was in elementary. Since they are anywhere from maybe 2nd grade to 5th grade reading level, they're longer stories.

amymom · User Joined: 22 Oct 2011 Posts: 9

You should read to your children as often and as long as you can! REading to your child helps across all curriculum. You can read picture books to your children. All children love picture books, so you can gather all the children around you. IF a younger one needs to take a break, or hold a toy, that's fine. As long as they are near you, they're listening. Also, holiday books are great because children love celebrating holidays, and that includes reading books about holidays. I have my favorite holiday books listed on my blog, http://preschoolmommy.blogspot.com. REading shouldn't just be at bedtime, it should also be a spontaneous, "LEt's read a boo." When my kids are getting rowdy, or starting to argue I read to them. It's a great way to help change the mood. Also, make sure you use voices for the characters, and plenty of inflection in your voice.
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Amy