Story Books Online
As a teacher, my favourite time of day is reading a book to the students. I usually read at least two sometimes three books aloud to the class each day. And the children love it. It is the quietest time of the day. They sit enthralled, focused and intent on solving the problem and working out what will happen next. I get the same reaction when I retell a story rather than read one. The students hang on to every word you say.
I use story time as a brain break, during our fruit break, to assess comprehension, a settler after coming back in after play times, or a filler just before going home. Books can make the students laugh, get angry at the characters or feel like they can relate. And they never get sick of the same book over and over. Pig The Pug is a real favourite at the moment. If I read that everyday they would still be happy.
Yet, these days, thanks to the internet, we have access to so many books being read aloud by so many different people. Now you can play a story online and manage to set something up in the classroom for the next activity, or have a quick chat to a child or even just sit and listen yourself. Some of the narrators have such good expression that there is no way I could have nailed it.
Go ahead and check out these sites that offer books being read aloud online;
Bug Club (have to sign up for) - you can find it at Active Learn Primary - offers a whole school reading program, levelled books and comprehension questions for each story.
Tumblebooks Library (have to sign up for) provides talking picture books
Storybox Library (have to sign up for) - so many great books, some read by their authors.
Storyline Online - books are read aloud by famous people
Raz Kids - (usually have to sign up for, but free for the rest of the year) online guided reading program
Storytime with Ryan & Craig - two fun guys providing read alouds
Storytime at Awnie’s House - this lady has the best expression! A new video is posted each week
The School Magazine - (have to sign up for) access to age-appropriate materials for students
The Joyful Bookshelf - huge variety of books read aloud on YouTube
Do you use read alouds in your class? Have you used any of the above or can you recommend someone else to our teachers? Feel free to join the conversation below.