Virtual Story Time
Listening to books being read aloud increases a child's ability to comprehend, build vocabulary exposure, and provides an exposure to a wide variety of literature. Having access to eBooks is vital for leisure reading, gaining knowledge, and for academic learning if and when the library is closed. The following websites give you access to free E-books so that students can continue their love of literature anytime they desire.
Storyline Online is a free web-based application where parents and children can choose a picture book or chapter book and participate in an interactive read aloud. Various actors, actresses, and well known celebrities are the featured readers of these wonderful children's book. Each book selected is geared towards a specific theme; family life, friendship, overcoming an obstacle, strengthening self-esteem, and more.
Scholastic YouTube Channel showcases their quality books in an audio/video format complete with author interviews, book trailers, resources for parents and educators, celebrity PSAs about reading, how-to-craft and educational videos, and so much more! All content is kid-friendly for ages ranging from early PreK through middle school.
Library of Congress has more than 60 classic books available on an easy-to-use interface, that is the perfect website to use. This archive also includes children's classics like "Alice in Wonderland" and "Cinderella."
Project Gutenberg was the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks. Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and his memory continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related content today. Today, there are over 60,000 free eBooks available for download.
Cocky's Reading Express™ is the University of South Carolina's literacy outreach initiative, working to eradicate illiteracy across South Carolina. Nearly two-thirds of low-income families do not own any books for their children. To address this critical need, USC students travel across the state with our friend Cocky, providing access to free giveaway books, and motivating children to read through high-energy storytime programming. They seek to foster a lifelong love of reading — one Gamecock at a time.
The program primarily serves 4k through second grade students in Title I elementary schools and Mrs. Bailes is currently a volunteer for Cocky's Reading Express!