What's the easiest way to keep kids quiet while you read to them?

I try to take time everyday to read to the kids on various subjects. Currently, we are reading a set of History books together, after their homework is finished. A little before bed we are reading a book about a little Pilgrim girl. And at bedtime and often other times of the day, we read our Bible.

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The hard part is the earliest reading. It's hard to keep them quiet and still

Soooo...

I made this little snack plate to help them out a little!

Whole wheat crackers, Colby cheese, Havarti cheese, raisins, and sardines to spread on the crackers! 4 out of my 6 loved the sardines!
-And- it worked!!!
They were quiet and more attentive!