As I begin to tell the Bible story at church to a group of two and three year olds, there’s usually at least one child who feels compelled to wiggle, or stand up, or run into a different part of the room. That’s when I reach into my bag of tricks and try something to bring attention back to the story, and engage all the kids into the action! The same thing doesn’t always work, which is why this article has so many ideas for you to try. Soon you may be clapping a rhyme, singing a song, or asking a question and find your own toddler reengaged to storytime.

After years of reading to toddlers in both classroom and home settings, I’ve learned one universal truth: toddlers were made to move! But that doesn’t mean story time has to be a wrestling match. I’ve discovered some tried-and-true techniques that can turn even the wiggliest toddler into an engaged listener.

Did you know that toddlers who appear to be moving and not paying attention are often actually processing the story in their own way? Research shows that movement can actually help young children learn. Let me share what really works to keep those busy little bodies and minds engaged with books.

Setting Up for Success

In my home or classroom, I found it very difficult with toddlers to read stories if there were toys out around the room. Those cars or dolls were too tempting! But if we had a clean-up game before storytime, suddenly the room is clean and the eyes were back on the book.

The right environment makes all the difference. Here’s some reading spot tips:

• Create a cozy, designated reading spot
• Keep favorite books within easy reach
• Remove major distractions
• Have soft cushions or pillows available
• Ensure good lighting
• Make it inviting but not overwhelming

Timing Is Everything

Best times for toddler reading:

• After active play (when they need to wind down)
• Before nap or bedtime
• During snack time
• First thing in the morning
• As part of daily routines

Avoid these times:

• When they’re overtired
• Right before active play
• During favorite TV shows
• When they’re hungry
• If they’re feeling unwell

Making Stories Come Alive

I love having dance parties with toddlers! Wiggling and jumping and spinning are sure to bring out the giggles. In the same way, interactive reading of books can bring out the giggles and more in your kids. Try some of these to engage more with your toddler.

Interactive reading techniques:

• Use different voices for characters
• Add sound effects
• Include hand motions
• Let them finish repetitive phrases
• Point to pictures as you read
• Ask simple questions
• Move like the characters

Picking the Perfect Books

What works best:

• Books with repetition
• Stories about daily routines
• Simple, clear illustrations
• Interactive elements (flaps, textures)
• Short, rhythmic text
• Familiar characters
• Predictable patterns

Here are some of my favorites for this age.

Movement Makes Magic

Don’t fight the wiggles – use them:

• Act out animal movements
• March during relevant parts
• Dance to rhyming words
• Use finger plays
• Add simple gestures
• Include movement breaks

Engagement Tricks That Work

At this age, you might be surprised to find that if your child’s favorite stuffed animal decides to read a book, they will be happy to sit and listen to Mr. Cuddles read, even if they didn’t seem interested in you reading. Using a stuffer animal as a puppet is an easy way to engage a reluctant reader ⏤ try it yourself!

Try these tested methods:

• Let them hold a stuffed animal that matches the story
• Give them a special “reading buddy”
• Use a puppet to “read” the story
• Let them turn the pages
• Have them point to objects you name
• Make it a game to find certain items
• Create simple props to use while reading

When Attention Wanders

Even kids who love books are not always in the mood to read. Here’s some signs to look for that you should try reading at a different time.

• Turning away from the book
• Increased movement
• Trying to grab other items
• Asking for different activities
• Getting frustrated

Quick fixes to try:

• Change your voice
• Add movement
• Skip to a favorite part
• Take a quick break
• Switch to a different book
• Make it silly
• Include them in the story

Building Reading Stamina

With this age, a couple of minutes at a time may be where you start. Usually the age of the child in minutes is a good indicator of how long they can focus on one activity at a time. As a preschool teacher, this is why I interspersed our circle time with dancing, fingerplays, and books. Each different activity only lasted a minute or two, but stringing them together can be a whole teaching time.

Start small and build:

• Begin with 2-3 minutes
• Gradually increase time
• Follow their lead
• Celebrate small successes
• Keep it positive
• Be consistent

Group Reading Tips

For siblings or playgroups:

• Assign special “jobs” to each child
• Take turns choosing books
• Use books that appeal to multiple ages
• Include everyone in activities
• Create different roles
• Make it cooperative, not competitive

Problem-Solving Common Challenges

When they want the same book repeatedly:

• Embrace the repetition
• Add new elements each time
• Point out different details
• Make connections to their life
• Use it as a learning opportunity

When they won’t sit still:

• Allow standing or moving
• Create movement opportunities
• Use story-related actions
• Take active breaks (dance party, finger plays, tickle fight)
• Keep sessions short

Remember This!

The goal isn’t perfect stillness – it’s engagement with books and stories. Success looks different for every child:

• Some listen while moving
• Others need to touch everything
• Many repeat words or phrases
• Some act out the story
• All are learning in their own way

Most importantly, keep it fun! A positive experience with books now builds readers for life.

Have you found creative ways to keep your toddler engaged during story time? Share your tips in the comments below! And for more reading ideas, check out my guide of Best Family Read-Aloud Books.