Attention Worksheet #3

Reading a story to a child can help improve the skills for sitting still and listening. It can also become a fun, special time for a parent and child. For a child who is very busy the best time to read may be just before bedtime. It can be a way to get the child to calm down and relax before sleep.

1. Sit in a quiet room or space.
2. Have the child sit, or stand close to you.
3. Do not expect a young child to let you read all the words on a page.
4. Start out pointing to one thing on each page and name it
5. "Reading" needs to be done with some excitement in your voice. "Look! A dog, wuf-wuf."
6. Turn the page and point to another picture. A whole book or a magazine may take only minutes to read. At first this may be as long as your child will stay with you. When your child cannot keep seated any longer, end the session without scolding or reprimanding the child.
7. Frequently children want the same book read over and over. Repetition is one of the ways they learn.
8. When your child can sit through several minutes of looking at a book, try asking her to point to a picture you name. For example, ask "Where’s the dog?" If she points to it make a big fuss, maybe clap. If your child does not point or points to the wrong picture, simply say, "There it is (name and point to the picture yourself)." Your child will slowly get the idea. Eventually, you will be able to ask your child to tell you the name of something you point to.
9. This activity should be a nice experience for both the parent and the child. If the child simply cannot sit still on a given day you are trying to read, or you do not feel up to it on a particular day, put it off until tomorrow. Try to work "reading" into your routine at least three times a week.