How to combine read aloud time with drawing time for kids. It can be a good way to keep the listener’s hands and body occupied while reading.
Updated April 2025
If you’ve ever tried to read aloud to young kids and found yourself repeating “Please sit still” over and over, you’re definitely not alone. Reading time can be such a special moment—but for little ones who aren’t reading yet, it can be tricky to keep their hands (and bodies) still while they listen.
One simple trick that works wonders? Let them draw while you read.
That’s it. Nothing fancy needed. Just some paper, crayons, or markers—and permission to create while they listen.
For kids who are still learning to read, listening to a story can be engaging, but also a little long for their active bodies. Drawing gives them a way to stay focused without feeling like they have to sit perfectly still. It turns reading into an experience, not just a quiet-time activity.
Here are some simple ways to pair read aloud time with drawing time for kids.
How to Combine Read Aloud Time with Drawing Time
MATERIALS
- Drawing paper or sketchbook
- Drawing tool (markers, pens, crayons, etc.)
- A book to read!
INSTRUCTIONS
- Gather your supplies
You don’t need much! Just grab some drawing paper or a sketchbook and a drawing tool. You can use crayons, markers, colored pencils—whatever you have on hand.
We like to keep everything in a basket so it’s easy to grab each time we read together.
- Start reading aloud
Before you begin, you might say something like:
“While I read, you can draw whatever you hear in the story. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just have fun with it!”
This helps them understand they’re allowed to move their hands while still paying attention.
Begin reading the story just like usual. As you read, your child can draw freely. They might sketch a character, a setting, or even just doodle while they listen. That’s all part of the process.
- Offer prompts (optional)
If your child needs a little inspiration, you can offer some drawing prompts, like:
“What do you think the main character looks like?”
“Can you draw the setting of the story?”
“What do you think will happen next? Want to draw it?”
Some kids love having a prompt, while others just want to go with the flow—either is great!
We think reading time and drawing time go hand in hand wonderfully and recommend giving this combo a try with your kids, whether they are extra active or not.
And if you need some book recommendations, we’ve got a whole page of book lists featuring our very favorite books.
More Drawing Activities for Kids
- 12 Kids’ Drawing Games for Creative Fun
- 16 Drawing Printable Art Activities for Kids
- How to Use Eye Stickers for Creative Drawing Ideas
- How to Help Your Kids with Drawing Faces
- How to Use Drawing Prompts to Spark Creativity
- A Back-and-Forth Drawing Game for Kids
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