Sharing books when you don’t feel like reading: Videos & activities for early learners

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris

What do you think of when you see a book? Are books something stressful? Boring? Magical? Exciting? Something in between?

It’s okay to not always feel excited about books or reading. It’s okay to have phases where other forms of learning and entertainment are what bring you joy. It’s okay to read books in different ways. Check out the videos and activities below for some ideas on how to do just that!

Watch these videos

In this video, Jenny and I share our favorite books that we can sing!  Many people find that songs help keep their attention focused.

Have you tried our Dial-A-Story service yet? Children’s Services staff record new books to listen to every month. See the complete list of titles available every month and call 708.816.2800 to listen.

Try these activities

Both of the videos above show wonderful ways to read books.

I attended a conference session where the presenter explained that some people read better with their ears than their eyes, that visual reading is not everyone’s gift. She referred to auditory readers and pointed out that auditory reading is an important skill. Yes! 

If you or your child also are struggling to focus on books, think more broadly. Are there other ways you can interact with books? Tell your own story based on the illustrations, not the words? Listen to a book being read by someone else?

Shelley Harris

About Shelley

Shelley is a children’s librarian with a passion for early literacy, serving and celebrating the disability community, and exploring technology. She can often be found practicing storytime songs with her black lab, Bingo.