The countdown is on! This year World Read Aloud Day is February 16. Over the past few years I’ve had the opportunity to work with the amazing team at LitWorld, who are the folks behind #WRAD. Their signature event is right around corner so I wanted to share a few resources to help make your celebration of World Read Aloud a success!
What is World Read Aloud Day?
Celebrated each year, World Read Aloud Day was started by LitWorld to bring attention to the power or reading stories aloud to children. Young and old we all know the power of a picture book or short story. The research on read alouds is clear – when children listen to the voices of their teachers and family members read stories aloud they can become stronger readers! You can learn more about LitWorld’s work and World Read Aloud Day on their website.
World Read Aloud Day Apps and Websites
This list includes some favorite read aloud websites and apps that are prefect for your World Read Aloud Day celebrations. If you have a favorite, make sure to add it in the comments below!
- EPIC! (website and app) This iPad app and website gives elementary-school aged readers access to thousands of books straight from their device. Kids can set their preferences, browse the collection and earn badges for their achievements. This engaging app is great for reluctant readers or students struggling to find a just-right book that also captures their interest.
- One More Story (website) This is an online library for students with plenty of fiction titles perfect for read alouds.
- Speakaboos (app) This app gives readers three free books to download – and access to many more if you choose to upgrade. It is full of engaging stories with audio support and interactive features.
- Blue Planet Tales (apps) Try out this interactive reading library for students with lots of choices.
- Storyline Online (website) Presented by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, this site has videos of well-known actors reading your favorite picture books aloud.
- Oceanhouse Media (apps) Oceanhouse Media has dozens of apps from Dr. Seuss to the Little Critters series, and plenty of nonfiction titles. These apps are available for iOS and Android devices. I love the Oceanhouse Media selections since they have so many classic titles. These apps let students read independently by swiping from one page to the next or listen as the books are read aloud.
- Brainspace (print with app) This magazine has awesome augmented reality experiences featured it in my book on scannable technology. you can read aloud a section and have students scan each page.
- PlayKids Stories (app) This is a terrific eBook library app that lets students download stories on their iPad. Kids can listen to a story read aloud or read by themselves.
- Reading Rainbow (website and app) Looking for a seemingly endless number of great books? Reading Rainbow has plenty of titles for independent readers. Students can work on any device to explore stories independently or with a partner. There are lots of choices for readers with different interests.
- Caribu (app) This very cool app connects two readers from down street or across the world so they can explore a picture book together – perfect for long distance read alouds.
- Goodnight Safari (app) This beautifully illustrated interactive book that children can explore independently.
- Shout Science (app) This interactive book tells the stories behind science discoveries. This totally free science ebook app presents information to students using nonfiction text features.
Don’t forget to share your World Read Aloud Day stories with the hashtag #WRAD17. You can tag @litworldsays or @classtechtips on both Twitter and Instagram too.
cross posted at classtechtips.com
Monica Burns is a fifth grade teacher in a 1:1 iPad classroom. Visit her website at classtechtips.com for creative education technology tips and technology lesson plans aligned to the Common Core Standards.
