How To Get A Squirmy Littlebit To Enjoy Books

How To Get A Squirmy Littlebit To Enjoy Books

by Stephanie Henderson Snyder

Lucy and I had a beautiful thing going until she was about 10 months old. That’s when she started walking. Once she started walking, she was always on the go (and so was I!). 

Our comfy, cozy reading moments were a thing of the past, but just because she was now a mover and a shaker didn’t mean that I could no longer expose her to books each day. I had to get creative and think of other ways to share books with her.

For some of us, it’s a phase. Lucy has since settled down and loves to cuddle up for books again. For others, it may just be that our little ones are high-energy people. And that’s okay! We can still share great books with them and build a strong literacy foundation even if it doesn’t mean cuddling up or sitting still for it. We just have to think outside the box to get a fidgety littlebit to enjoy a book. It’s possible! Here are some ways to do this.

This may be the stroller, high chair, car seat, bathtub, or other places where Littlebit is seated or contained. Try to pick shorter books during these times since he or she will already be seated for a period of time to eat, bathe, or go somewhere. Be creative and pick books that relate to those areas. For example, if your littlebit is in the high chair for a meal, read Dining! A Lucy Littlebit Book and have him or her make connections between Lucy Littlebit’s mealtime and mealtime at home.

Is your littlebit the number one fan of Paw Patrol?  Does he or she go crazy for Elsa, Olaf, and all things Frozen? Try books that feature these characters. You may even watch an episode of the show or an excerpt from the movie before or after reading. Dress your little one up like his or her favorite character to create a total experience. 

Whether it’s time for a craft or a vigorous playtime, grab a book with a related theme or topic to incorporate into the activity. If you are getting creative with springtime coloring sheets, then read aloud one of your springtime favorites and talk about how the season affects the character. If you’re having a make-believe birthday party for all of the stuffed animals in your littlebit’s room, a book about teddy bears would complement your play (and make a great birthday party activity for those in attendance to the pretend party).

Instead of a phone, tablet, or toy, try highly engaging books to keep Littlebit occupied in places of worship, meetings, or appointments where running around may be a no-no. Pop-up books, touch & feel books, or lift-the flap books can do the job. If your little one has outgrown those, try books about his or her favorite topic or characters. Be sure to bring enough books to keep him or her occupied for the time you’ll be gone (or at least a portion of it).

Audiobooks can often be more engaging, especially if they utilize wacky voices or special sound effects. Audiobooks are a great way to develop listening skills, as well. Looking for your littlebit’s favorite stories? Check out this list of the best audiobooks for toddlers and preschoolers. Stop along the way to discuss the content of the book, whether the book is in front of you two or not. Don’t feel pressured to have Littlebit sit still while listening. Feeling creative? Record yourself reading your littlebit’s favorite books and enjoy the audio together. 

While we may love the idea of a book nook with a littlebit who loves to sit and read books for extended periods of time, we have to know our children and adjust to meet their needs. Littlebits with the wiggles can also enjoy books – just find another way to incorporate them into their daily activities.

Let’s Talk Lit!

Have a littlebit who is on the move?

What are you doing to ensure that he or she reads a book each day?