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doris
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| Posted: Oct 24 2006 at 4:47pm | IP Logged
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This sounds such a feeble question, but I am struggling.
My 2 year old will not be quiet during read-alouds. She interrupts the whole time, or sits loudly 'reading' her own book, singing etc. It's very sweet but it's impossible for me to concentrate let alone my dd (6) or ds (4). They get cross with her, shout, threaten to hit her etc.
I do try to distract her with other things, ask her to 'read' quietly or whatever but it doesn't work. She's not an independent play sort of child, and she wants to be near us -- preferably on my lap, but being very noisy.
I know that this too will pass (and I'll miss her rambling storytelling when it's over) but what do I do in the meantime? I've realised that I've cut down the read-alouds in response to the problem, and that's such a shame.
Elizabeth
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Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
Frabjous Days
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cathhomeschool
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| Posted: Oct 24 2006 at 5:17pm | IP Logged
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Well, I had to drop read alouds completely (except at bedtime) when our now 5yo went through that 2 year phase. It worked for us because my older two could read alone and we also listened to books on tape. Yours are younger, so I would suggest relying heavily on books on tape and naptime (if only 2yo naps).
Is there a time when your dh can read aloud to the kids while you play w/ 2yo or vice versa? What about reading aloud during lunch and snack time? It's harder to make noise when your mouth is full! Or could all three of the kids play together with blocks or something while you stand close by and read? (Maybe if the others aren't sitting right next to you receiving your attention, she won't want to either?)
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Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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Betsy
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| Posted: Oct 24 2006 at 6:38pm | IP Logged
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Elizabeth,
I am there too!! Here are my thoughts on the subject.
I was just reading to my 6yo today The Emperors New Clothes. As I was reading it I realize that I had *heard* references to this story but had never read it as a child and never understood the references. However, even though I had missed out on this story as a child I am reading it (and re-reading it) to my son now. So, did I miss out? Their will be some gaps and spaces in our children’s education, but there is a whole life time to fill in the spaces.
One thing that I hold onto from Charlotte Mason is the idea that the education that we give our children is like a hammock. It has holes in it but it is still capable of supporting us!
So, with that in mind we truly need to just worry about teaching our children how to learn and to love learning! The rest will take care of it’s self.
Betsy
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Karen E.
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| Posted: Oct 25 2006 at 4:26pm | IP Logged
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Take heart, Elizabeth, and take a break. 
I'm the queen of read-alouds, but we did FAR fewer of them when my youngest was 2. Now that she's four, we're back to lots of read-alouds for everyone, but it just wasn't happening a lot when she was at that 2 yo stage, unless she was napping or in bed for the night.
I was going to say some of the same things Janette suggested. The only other thing I can think of is possibly bath time -- we did some reading aloud in the bathroom, while my littlest was in the tub.
As you said, it shall pass.
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Karen E.
mom to three on earth, and several souls in God's care
Visit my blog, with its shockingly clever title, "Karen Edmisten."
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doris
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| Posted: Oct 25 2006 at 4:45pm | IP Logged
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Thanks to all. We do some of these things already (reading at mealtimes or at bathtime), but not consistently.
I love the hammock analogy! I'll try to remember that.
However... how does it work if you have lots and lots of children? I am hoping for more but see a need for a leap of faith -- I can't imagine all these interruptions when we're actually trying to do hard stuff!
Elizabeth
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Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
Frabjous Days
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Read-alouds and interruptions
