Looking for ways to engage wiggly kiddos during reading lessons? Our friend Stefanie Hohl, creator of the phonics program ABC See Hear, Do, provides practical ways to help active kids unlock literacy in her guest article below.
Have you ever tried to get a wiggly child to sit still and focus on reading? Sometimes it can feel like an impossible task. But what if movement wasn’t the enemy of literacy, but rather the key to unlocking it? For active kids, incorporating movement into reading instruction can make learning more engaging, effective, and fun!
Why Movement Matters in Literacy Development
Research shows that movement-based learning strengthens memory and cognitive connections, making it easier for kids to absorb new information. Many children, especially kinesthetic learners, retain concepts better when they engage their bodies in the process of learning. Movement also helps improve focus and reduces frustration, especially for kids who struggle with traditional, sit-still learning methods.
If you have an active child who struggles with reading, try these movement-friendly strategies and watch the magic unfold!
Ways to Incorporate Movement into Reading
Letter Hopscotch – Create a hopscotch board with letters instead of numbers. As children hop on each square, have them say the letter’s name and/or sound.
Animal Phonics – Assign an action to each letter sound. For example, kids can stomp like an elephant for the letter E or jump like a frog for the letter F. This multi-sensory approach reinforces phonics in a playful way.
Sight Word Scavenger Hunt – Write sight words on index cards and hide them around the room. Have kids run to find a word, read it aloud, and use it in a sentence before searching for the next one.
Syllable Tap – Use cross-body tapping (left hand to right knee or shoulder) to tap out syllables in words. This technique reinforces phonemic awareness and helps children break words into manageable parts.
Act It Out – Turn stories into interactive experiences! Encourage kids to act out the plot, using gestures and facial expressions to bring characters to life. This builds comprehension skills and makes reading more exciting.
Related: What to Do When You Think Your Child Is Ready to Learn to Read
The Power of Play in Literacy
When kids move, laugh, and engage their whole bodies in learning, reading becomes a joyful adventure rather than a chore. By embracing movement-based literacy activities, we help children develop a lifelong love of reading—one wiggle and giggle at a time!
Stefanie Hohl
Author
Stefanie Hohl is the creator of ABC See, Hear, Do, an innovative phonics program that helps kids learn to read through movement and fun. As a literacy advocate, author, and educator, she has helped thousands of children develop a love for reading. Stefanie is passionate about making learning engaging, especially for active kids. You can find her at ABCSeeHearDo.com and on social media @abcseeheardo.
