Reading aloud to children has been shown to improve reading, writing and communication skills, logical thinking and concentration, and general academic aptitude, as well as inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Now you can have legendary singers, actors and actresses virtually read to your kids at home for story time online.
Image: Deposit Photos
“Goodnight with Dolly”
Starting in East Tennessee, Dolly Parton has always wanted to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families. She started her Imagination Library in 1995, and continues to send books to children around the world.
Each month, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a high quality, age appropriate book to all registered children, addressed to them, at no cost to the child’s family. Countless parents have shared how excited their child is when their new book arrives each month. Many groups and individuals work hard behind the scenes to make that special moment possible for each child.
Dolly wants children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. With her library, she could ensure that every child would have books, regardless of their family’s income.
Clark County residents can register and access the Imagination Library here.
“Goodnight with Dolly” was shown on Facebook Live each week, with Dolly snuggled in her bed. Each week she will choose a book from the Imagination Library chosen for content that is appropriate for the times. You can watch the entire series here until August 31st.
Dolly hopes this series of stories will provide comfort and reassurance to kids and families during the shelter-in-place mandates. I know my kids love hearing stories read to them, now you can let Dolly handle the bedtime stories each night.
Storyline Online
Another great option for virtual story time is Storyline Online, from the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside the books’ illustrations. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more.
Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners. My kids love sitting and listening to someone read to them with all the different voices and expressions. And it gives me 10 minutes to get something done as well!
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