Staying Focused During a Read Aloud: Story Threading

I’m the type of person that works bests if there is something else going on in the room while I work on a task.  Background noise supports me in getting projects done.  For many kids, having something to occupy their hands and body while listening to a book works wonders.

I will often read a chapter fromm a book to my kids while they play with a puzzle or Lego.  A quiet activity such as threading beads helps young and older children focus on listening when someone is reading aloud.

STORY THREADING

There are two variations to story threading.  The first is to choose colored beads that match the colors of the story or a character in the story.  This provides a visual connection to the book.

All you need is yarn, twine, string or elastic and beads.  If you are using yarn, it is helpful to tape the end that will be used to thread.  I also like to have the kids work on a towel. It helps with keeping beads from rolling off the work surface.

The second way is to simply just let the kids thread as you read.  They can choose to do a pattern or not.  The purpose is to keep hands busy and mouths quiet during the read-aloud.

Plus, you can use the strings of beads to make letter formations afterwards.  A great fine motor, read-aloud and letter activity.

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