Effective Literacy Website #3

 

IRA Newsletter Weekly Project: Effective Literacy Website #3

Website & URL: Storylineonline.net

            Storyline Online is an award- winning children’s literacy website, created by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. There are many benefits that Story Online provides to promote literacy.  This website streams many videos featuring famous actors reading aloud books. Famous actors include Oprah Winfrey, Kristen Bell, Chis Pine, Sarah Silverman, Betty White, Wanda Sykes and many more. As the actors read, the book comes alive through creatively produced illustrations, which is something children of all ages will definitely enjoy.

             Story Online has many great features. It is free and available online for children, parents, caregivers and educators all over the world to use. On the website, the books are arranged alphabetically. Under each book, it indicates the author, illustrator, publication information, the name of the celebrity reading this book, the suggested grade level for the book and the run time. Under each book, there is also activity guides that teachers and parents can use. For teachers, it provides before, during and after reading activities, as well as writing prompts, all accompanied with supporting Common Core State Standards. For parents, it provides a synopsis and themes found in the story and sample questions parents can discuss with their child. Under each book, it also gives the option to buy the book on Barnes and Noble.

            Story Online is a great and effective tool that promotes literacy. Reading aloud has been shown to improve a child’s reading, writing and communication skills, logical thinking and concentration, and general academic aptitude. Reading aloud is a fun and meaningful activity for students and instills a lifelong love of reading.