Logging in those reading minutes? Mix in some digital titles for fun!

Reading.  For some of us it is a joy and a pleasure, for others, a tiresome struggle.  But we know well that practice makes better, if not perfect, and that time spent reading pays off in increasingly improved comprehension and skill.  So every night we encourage our munchkins to complete assigned minutes of reading practice, waiting for that moment when they pick up a book and begin to read independently, not because we said so, but because they want to!  If you add some digital storybooks into the mix of titles they are reading, some children who are not mesmerized by the printed page might just perk up and read along happily.

If you’d like to add some spice to your story time; whether to pleasantly log in all your reading minutes each evening with an “I’d rather be spinning cartwheels” child, or to rest your sore throat during cold season, one of these online children’s storybook sites might be just what you need!  All are free; reinforce good language and reading skills, and are attractive and fairly simple to navigate for you and your child.  Some provide extra tools in support of the beginning or struggling reader, and one even offers selections in languages other than English.  Please click on the links below for a reading treat!

We Give Books  Reading enjoyment and service learning at the same time!  If you read a book at this site, you can select from a list of charities to receive a printed book for each digital title you read!

Story Time for Me   Scroll down to “Choose a Series to Explore.”  These stories are particularly well done with attractive illustration and text highlighted as the reader progresses through the story.

Speakaboos!  Choose from some cute free Arthur stories, fairy tales, etc.

MightyBook  This site has five free titles for children – select by age group.  You can subscribe for a wider selection.  Music, highlighted text and sound effects are incorporated into each story.

International Children’s Digital Library  Select and read stories from countries and cultures around the world in multiple languages, also for older readers.