RAR #111: When You’re Constantly Interrupted During Read-Alouds

Do your kids ever interrupt during read-aloud time? No? Just mine? 😉

Today we’re talking all about how to handle interruptions–whether they’re coming from the phone, the doorbell, the 2-year-old, or the chatty middle schooler.

We’ll consider what’s really causing those interruptions in the first place, as well as how to set ourselves up for success. We’re breaking it all down and sharing solutions on this newest episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• why interruptions are not a sign you’re doing things wrong
• ideas for dealing with interruptions from newborns through teens
• what to do if read-aloud time doesn’t look how you think it should

Click the play button below:

Listener Guide

Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast:

• 1:24 It doesn’t have to look perfect
• 4:20 Wasn’t this supposed to be easy?
• 6:38 You’re not doing it wrong
• 9:00 How to set yourself up for success
• 10:23 Something to do …
• 13:01 Keep it short and use audiobooks
• 15:33 Tips for older kids
• 16:40 WHY are your kids interrupting?
• 19:05 Books with new words or references
• 20:57 Interrupting for attention
• 21:57 Connection first!
• 24:32 Let the kids speak

How we keep our things “handy” for read-aloud time:

Links from this episode:

• RAR #73: What your kids can do while you read aloud (they’ll probably listen better than ever)
• RAR # 82: Why Fidgeting is a Good Sign (and what brain science has to say about reading aloud), Dr. Michael Gurian
• Paper trays
• See how we keep our things “handy” for read-aloud time.
• Get the FREE booklist and more – go to readaloudrevial.com or text BOOKS to 345345

Quotes to remember:

“What matters is the process of sitting down with your child and falling into a story. Remember: the most important piece of the whole thing is connection. Even if it doesn’t look exactly like you hoped, it’s an opportunity for you and your child to connect, for your kids to connect with each other, and for you all to connect with the ideas and the stories you read. That’s what makes it a win.”

“When we read aloud to our kids in spite of the fact that it looks different from our initial vision, we’re stepping out in faith. If I can tell you one thing, it is this: keep stepping out.”

“Interruptions are part of the deal. Interruptions are part of what it means to be human, to be interacting with other humans, and to be getting things done. They don’t diminish the value of the read aloud.”

Books from this episode:

(All links are affiliate links.)