Are you an elementary teacher that's looking for a way to include read alouds into your daily instruction? If so, you need to check out the website Storyline Online. It's a great resource for teachers who are seeking to foster a love of reading and enhance literacy skills in their elementary classrooms.
What is Storyline Online?
Storyline Online is a website offered by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation (Screen Actors Guild). It is a free literacy website that features videos of children's books being read aloud by famous actors. You'll find award winning books narrated by celebrated actors. These read-aloud videos bring classic children's stories to life, captivating your students' attention and sparking their imagination.
This free website has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including Emmy Awards, the Parents Choice Award, and the Mobile Web Awards. Storyline Online is a valuable resource for both educators and parents who want to instill a love of reading in young children.
Some of the famous, award winning actors you'll find reading the books include:
- James Earl Jones
- Lily Tomlin
- Viola Davis
- Oprah Winfrey
- Betty White,
- Sean Astin
- Sarah Silverman
- TyBurrell
- Chris Pine
- Kevin Costner
- Annette Bening
- Kristen Bell
- Rami Malek
Benefits of Using Storyline Online
The benefits of using Storyline Online videos in your elementary classroom or home environment are numerous. These educational resources provide an engaging and interactive story time experience. They include videos of books, music, funny voices and animation that will keep kids engaged and excited to listen to the story. Additionally, when children listen to skilled narrators it helps improve their comprehension, communication skills, and logical thinking abilities.
Finally, Storyline Online allows you to choose your preferred video player from either School Tube or YouTube. By offering access to high-quality audio books and interactive storybooks, Storyline Online serves as a great supplemental curriculum resource for teachers seeking to enhance their literacy instruction.
Best Books for Elementary Classrooms on Storyline Online
There are many books on Storyline Online that are perfect additions to any elementary classroom. Here are some of the best books available on the website:
1. A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
A Bad Case Of Stripes follows Camilla Cream, a young girl who was always worried about what other people thought of her. She was so nervous about what the other kids would think of her on the first day that she developed a bad case of stripes on here skin. Doctors, neighbors, and family all tried to help Camilla but nothing seemed to help. When Camilla finally realized that the only way she would be happy was to be herself, her skin started to change back to normal This story promotes self-acceptance and individuality, making it a great conversation starter for young readers. Some activities ideas for this book include:
- Comparing and contrasting how Camilla changed from the beginning to the end of the story
- Retelling activities
- Writing a letter to Camilla to cheer her up
- Making a book about feelings
2. Brave Irene by William Steig
Brave Irene is a heartwarming story about a little girl named Irene who sets out on a treacherous journey through a snowstorm to deliver a dress for the duchess. Along her journey she was pushed and whipped about by the nasty weather and terrible winds. But Irene stood fast and didn't give up no matter how hard it got on her trip. Her bravery and determination inspire students to persevere in the face of adversity, making it an excellent choice for teaching resilience and courage. Activities to do with this book can include:
- Teaching students about characters, setting and plot
- Learning new vocabulary words
- Writing your opinion of Irene
- Writing about a time when you were brave
- Making a fun snowy Irene craft
3. Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
Harry The Dirty Dog is about a little a white dog with black spots who loves everything except baths. When he runs away from home to avoid bath time, he gets so dirty that his family doesn't recognize him. This funny story teaches children about responsibility and the importance of cleanliness in a fun and entertaining way. Some great activities to do with this book include:
- Retelling the story of Harry The Dirty Dog
- Researching and writing reports about dogs
- Writing your opinion of the best pet
- Add a little math to your day wby measuring different stuffed animal dogs
- Making a cute dog craft
4. Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
Library Lion is a cute book about a lion who wanders into the library and the head librarian, Miss Merriweather, isn't sure what to do. At first the librarian thought the library was no place for a lion but when he proves to be helpful and well-behaved, he becomes a beloved member of the library community.
This story celebrates the joy of reading and the power of friendship, making it a perfect fit for any elementary classroom. This is a great book to read before your first visit to the school library or when you and creating your classroom rules. Here are a few activities you can do with this book:
- Comparing and contrasting characters in the story
- Make a list of rules to follow in the library or your classroom
- Write your opinion of the library lion
- Researching and writing about lions
- Make a cute bookmark
5. Me and My Cat by Satoshi Kitamura
Me And My Cat is a charming tale about a strange witch who casts a spell on a a little boy and his cat. They switch places and become each other for the day. The little boy embarks on an adventure as he wanders through the neighborhood in his new cat body. He soon learns what it's like to be his cat, Leonardo! Eventually the witch comes back to reverse the spell and the boy and his cat are reunited at themselves. Some fun activities to do with this book include:
- Comparing and contrasting the boy and the cat
- Retelling the story
- Have students do a creative writing activity about something they would like to turn into
- Research and write about different types of cats, including the big cats in the jungle
6. A Tale of Two Beasts by Fiona Roberton
A Tale Of Two Beasts is a cute story that offers two different perspectives on the same encounter between a girl and a strange creature in the woods. A little girl finds a strange creature in the woods, captures it and brings it home. She tries to care for it but the little creature escapes.
In an alternating viewpoint we also find out how the little creature feels about the same event and we find out that the girl and the creature have tow totally different perspectives on the same event. This is a great story to use when teaching about characters and point of view. Here are a few ideas to do with this book:
- Compare and contrast the point of view of the little girl and the creature
- Write your opinion of who was the real beast in the story – the little girl or the creature
- Research and write about opossums
- Integrate math into your lesson with some opossum story problems
7. When a Dragon Moves In by Jodi Moore
What happens when a young boy builds a sandcastle and a dragon moves in? This imaginative story, When A Dragon Moves In, explores the joys of creative play and the power of imagination. When A Dragon Moves In has wonderful illustrations and a humorous storyline that kids will love! It's perfect for inspiring students to write about their own imaginative adventures. Some fun ideas to do with this story include:
- Learning about cause and effect
- Writing about honesty
- Making predictions about what will happen next in the story
- Write an imaginative story
- Make a sandcastle out of shapes
- Sorting and graphing geometric shapes
8. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
On the first day of school, Chester Raccoon is nervous about leaving his mother. To comfort him, Mrs. Raccoon shares a special family secret – the kissing hand. This heartwarming story, The Kissing Hand, reassures children that their parents' love is always with them, making it an ideal read-aloud for the beginning of the school year. Here are a few activities to do with this book:
- Reviewing story elements including character, setting, problem and solution
- Retelling the sequence of events of the story
- Researching and writing about raccoons
9. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is a young boy who lives next door to a nursing home. When he learns that his best friend Nancy has lost her memory, Wilfrid sets out to help her by collecting memories to share with Nancy. This touching story celebrates the power of friendship and making connections, making it a great read aloud for young and old alike. Here are a few ideas to use with this book:
- Compare and contrast Wilfred and Miss Nancy
- Write a story about your favorite memory
- Write your best memories of the school year
- Integrate math by learning about time
Each of these books offers valuable lessons and themes that are relevant to elementary students. Whether it's promoting self-acceptance, teaching resilience, celebrating friendship, or inspiring imagination, these stories provide rich material for classroom discussions and activities. You can watch these videos on their free YouTube channel. Other great books included on this website are:
- Strega Nona
- Sylvestor and The Magic Pebble
- The Tale Of Peter Rabbit
Storyline Online is a great way to engage young readers and supplement literacy instruction in your classroom. With its vast collection of read-aloud videos featuring famous actors and interactive storybooks Storyline Online offers a wealth of opportunities for teachers to enhance their students' literacy skills and foster a love of books.
By incorporating these captivating stories into your curriculum, teachers can inspire and empower their students to become confident readers and critical thinkers. Storyline Online is even a great resource for parents to use as their nightly bedtime story to their children! So why not dive into the magical world of Storyline Online and discover the joy of storytelling with your students today?
If you're ready to get started you can grab all of the resources shown above in this year long bundle that includes 21 different activities for high-quality literature that's perfect for the whole year! Includes reading, writing, crafts, and games that are even great for emergency sub plans! Click here to view this resource.
Looking for more read aloud ideas? Check out these posts:
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I'm Molly, the creative mind behind Firstieland. With over 35 years of experience in early childhood education, I'm your primary support for resources that will save you time and make learning feel like play. Learn more about my mission for Firstieland here.
