My older daughter lives for reading, but the little one is a bit too wiggly to sit down with a book for any extended period of time. It’s just too … motionless. So when she says, “Mom, I’m bored!” and I answer with, “Go read a book,” she’s only out of my hair for about five minutes.
Well, I accidentally solved the problem the other day when I bought myself an exercise ball.
She read two books in one … er … bouncing. And this morning, she actually came to me–with the ball in her arms–and said, “Mom, can I read another book?”
Definitely works for me. Check out what works for Shannon!
Hey, whatever it takes to get children (or anyone, for that matter, to read). And the “read a book” answer to boredom is something I heard growing up all the time. And now, because of that, I read everything and anything. Shoot, I read manuals for toaster ovens cover to cover. And I love it all!
I had to stop subscribing to TV Guide because I couldn’t have printed material in the house without reading every word, and what passes for articles in TV Guide are a colossal waste of time!
How fun!
Ooh, my kids are going to love this! I never let them use my exercise ball. Now, if they have a book…
This position is actually really great for active kids – gives sensory feedback and builds muscle tone. Can you tell I have (and need) one for my son?!
Anna –
I just realized, thanks to your comment, that this could also be the solution to my struggle to get my reading daughter to do something physical!
Aha!
Mandy
Great idea. I like it.
Fun idea – I’ll try this!
what a great idea!!
Oooh, a fellow kinesthetic learner! I’m a lot like that, although because I love computers so much I have learnt to subdue it, but put me in a prayer meeting and I have to walk or fidget, put me in a long sermon and I CANNOT sit still, I have to move in order to absorb what is being taught.
Read once about a Sunday School teacher who set up book rests on donated exercise bikes for his kinesthetic learners.
LOL Love that idea! Good problem solving! *wink*
That is funny! Good job at finding out what works!!!
Hi Mandy! I recognized your name at Shannon’s from the World Mag Contest. Nice to see you online again!
Great idea! I might suggest it for my husband when he’s falling asleep studying at night!
Great Tip!
I think I might try this with my 2nd child, she tends to walk around the house while reading…lol!
Rachel xxx
Megan -
Dunham? Of the other “mother” story?! Cool! Good to “see” you!
Mandy
good !dea
Hmmm… I’ll be pulling out the exercise ball for my wild boy tomorrow. I wonder what he’ll do with it.
Nifty idea!
This is a great way to read:) Some kids work well when they are able to sit on a ball, too- even at school!