10 ideas for listening to stories.
As a ‘We Are Reading’ school, our children enjoy stories – both reading them and having books read to them – and there are many authors, teachers and websites where children can listen to stories being read. Below are 10 of our favourite story telling websites which can be found using the links or searching for the words in bold.
- Mac Barnett’s Instagram page is an interactive treat which also features short stories in his Chapter Books After Dark
- Oliver Jeffers is reading one of his stories every day. They can be found on his website com under the Stay at Home Story Time session. The new book can be also listened to live on Instagram each day at 6pm before being uploaded to his website.
- For older readers, Frank Cottrell-Boyce has been reading his book The Astounding Broccoli Boy, chapter by chapter, on Instagram.
- Brantfield Nursery in Kendal is sharing a story a day on its Facebook page. These stories have been filmed by their staff and are suitable for pre-school and Reception aged children. Our favourite so far is Goldilocks and the Three Bears!
- David Walliams, a very popular author among the children, reads a story every day. You can access this at his website: https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/
- The creators of Talu Tales have teamed up with some of their favourite authors to record them sharing their books. These can be found on Talu Tales’ Facebook page. Talu Tales is a fantasy story world which inspires children about science, technology and mathematics and it is on a mission to close the gender gap so features female characters in non-stereotypical plotlines. More details about who they are and what they do can be found on their website.
- Audible and Amazon have opened up subscription so that it is free for all children whose school is closed. They are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, smart phone or tablet at the following link: https://stories.audible.com/start-listen Audible is also a popular place for adults to download audiobooks although there is a cost with this.
- As part of world book day a wide selection of authors and celebrities read children’s books and short stories. They say, ‘Watch a wonderful range of famous authors and stars reading children’s books and short stories for kids of all ages. Storytime Online makes storytelling possible at any time of the day—a brilliant way to keep children entertained and a fun way to help develop their language skills.’
- Oxford Owl. This is a great idea and an excellent habit to get into. If your child has finished their reading book and you are struggling to find more for them to read here are some some free e-books from the oxford-owl reading scheme. https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/find-a-book/library-page/?view=image&query=&type=book&age_group=Age+4-5&level=&level_select=&book_type=&series=
- There’s nothing quite like sharing a story and Sean Tells has created a story-listening podcast for all the family to share in. You could have a mini book club where you discuss your favourite parts, or if it’s a cliff-hanger, what you think will happen next. http://seantells.com/lion-and-hare-story-on-saturday-podcast-01/
