Does your Toddler (Ages 1-3) never sit still during storytime?

Mai toddler definitely doesn’t. In fact, the only time I can read to him without him moving around is if I do a breakfast read aloud while he is strapped into his high chair ~ and even then he isn’t 100% zoomed in and focused on the pages. His eyes wander, he eats/plays with his food, he babbles, etc. During other read aloud sessions (when he is not strapped in to something), he will start off mildly interested in the book and then immediately begin wandering or playing with something else nearby. But I don’t let this deter me from continuing to read to him because…

Studies show that when children actively engage in something with their hands, this frees up their brain to focus and learn. So moving around and fidgeting can actually help them listen better and stay focused on your reading for longer! 

However, even though I knew this, initially his moving around did frustrate me. It can be hard to remember and believe they are actively listening and benefiting from your reading when they look completely occupied by something else. But then I realized that I may not be able to control how he listens and processes the story, but I can help curate activities that will keep him active but also engaged with me and ready to listen.

So if your toddler isn’t sitting still and listening, what exactly should they be doing while you’re reading aloud instead?

Here are mai top recommended read aloud activities for ages 1-3:

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1. Eat Snacks:

This is similar to mai anecdote of reading to Toddler in his high chair, except littles don’t even have to be strapped into their seat for this activity- perhaps they have a snack table or stool they like to sit on. Snacks are a great read aloud activity because they keep Toddlers more stationary and in one spot. They have something to do with their hands and mouths, and typically they enjoy a snack, which can lead to positive associations with the story time as well. Our favorite go-to read aloud snack are popsicles. They take a long time for littles to eat and are delicious. Plus, they can be healthy: make yogurt and fruit popsicles, or blend veggies and fruits into a smoothie and freeze. These are mai favorite popsicle molds for Toddler. They are super easy to freeze and remove, and the perfect size for littles ones.

If you have younger toddlers, closer to one, or baby siblings who also need a snack, try the forage feeder from Moss & Fawn that helps control how much food your little one puts in their mouth to help prevent choking and to safely share solids and frozen popsicles with tiny ones.

2. Coloring

Try taping paper to the high chair along with some chunky toddler crayons. This way, little one can’t walk or crawl away, but they are actively using their hands and imaginations! Plus, it’s a quiet activity so that they can listen to you read. Older Toddlers can try drawing parts of the story that they like. For littles who may still put things in their mouth, try these Beeswax Nontoxic chunky crayons for your littles who may still put things in their mouth.

3. Build with Blocks

This one can get a bit noisy depending on if your little one enjoys block demolition, but otherwise it’s another great activity for keeping the hands and mind engaged while limiting movement. They will most likely stay in the one area with the blocks. Mai Toddler isn’t quite stacking blocks yet, but loves dumping objects our of baskets and putting them back in- and is more than happy to sit for awhile dumping and refilling baskets of blocks. We love these soft silicone blocks, since he will occasionally throw them for fun too, but I had a set of these ABC-123 Melissa and Doug blocks that I loved when I was growing up that I can’t wait to get for him when he is a bit older. And if you have a really advid builder, consider treating them to this set from Lovevery. I’ve been eyeing this set, but will wait for when Toddler shows more interest in stacking and building.

4. Prep a Toy Basket

Prep a basket of your little’s favorite toys for them to play with. This way, they have easy access to thier toys in one area, and won’t have to wander off to look for their favorites. Toddler adores fidget toys and buttons at the moment, and his two absolute favorites are these sensory toys from hahaland: Silicone Pull String Toy and this Pop Fidget Spinner. I put these in his toy bin, along with a jumping peg toy, a silk scarf, and this busy board. Also, try to put toys that don’t make sound so you are not competing to be heard.

5. Painting

This activity is similar to the coloring one, but may introduce more novelty and interest than crayons. To avoid too much mess, try letting your littles paint with a paintbrush and a cup of water. This one doesn’t need to be in the high chair (which could be more messy if the water cup is knocked over). They don’t even necessarily need paper if they are painting with water. Take the read aloud outdoors and let littles paint the patio or sidewalk.

One of mai favorite water-painting activities are actually these Water Wonders books from Kane Miller. Littles can use a paintbrush, or even just their fingers, and dip them in water and then paint on the book. Colors appear like magic when you wet the white parts of the pages, revealing hidden pictures underneath. And the best part- the color fades when the water dries, so you can “paint” as often as you like!

6. Play Dough

Mai Toddler loves fun sensations in his hands, and play dough is a favorite. You can use the classic Play Dough packs, or if your little is still putting everything in their mouth like mine, try this taste-safe play dough recipe. I like this one because it suggests adding herbs to the dough for extra sensory experiences. The squishy sensation will keep little hands occupied, and when your little is old enough, you can introduce stencil molds for them to make shapes!

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These are some of mai favorite read aloud activities for Toddler, but there are definitely more out there that may work for you. If you have a personal favorite, share it in the comments so we can try it out too! Just remember that with whichever activity you choose, it’s okay if your toddlers don’t look like they’re paying attention. Don’t worry- their little brains are listening!