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Home » All categories » Staying Focused During a Read Aloud: Story Threading

Staying Focused During a Read Aloud: Story Threading

August 7, 2015 • 9 Comments

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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.

A quiet activity to keep bodies busy and mouths quiet during a read-aloud time.  Perfect for kids with lots of energy or who need to move during story time.

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

frog and toad story threading activity

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.

the great blueness story threading activity

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.

making letters with beads

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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9 Comments Filed Under: All categories Tagged With: read aloud activities

About Jodie Rodriguez

Jodie Rodriguez is a mom of two young boys and an early childhood/elementary educator with over 20 years of experience. Jodie's passion is helping parents, teachers, librarians and anyone else interested in nurturing and reaching ALL of our youngest growing readers.

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  1. Wendy says

    August 10, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    I’m seriously pondering how to adapt this to my 7th and 8th grade classrooms!

    Reply
    • Patty says

      August 10, 2015 at 11:31 pm

      Maybe simple embroidery floss friendship bracelets? Coloring (which is good fine motor for kids who don’t write a lot)? Folding paper cranes ?

      Reply
      • Jodie Rodriguez says

        August 11, 2015 at 10:14 pm

        Great ideas Patty!

        Reply
    • Jodie Rodriguez says

      August 11, 2015 at 10:16 pm

      Wendy, I would love to hear how it goes!

      Reply
  2. Emma says

    August 7, 2015 at 10:20 pm

    I love the beads idea! My daughter has just started getting fidgety during story times and we’ve been trying different things to help. My next thing to try will be beads!

    Reply
    • Jodie Rodriguez says

      August 11, 2015 at 10:20 pm

      Yay! I hope she enjoys it.

      Reply
  3. Alecia says

    August 7, 2015 at 7:07 am

    Love the suggested of beads but what if beads aren’t an option, what would you suggest?

    Reply
    • SmileyB says

      August 8, 2015 at 10:46 am

      maybe hollow pasta, buttons or foam scraps with holes punches in them

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Making Learning Fun and Moms Library #152 | True Aim says:
    August 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    […] Story Threading – Growing Book By Book […]

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