Tuesday 22 September 2015

Top 5 e-book and audio story websites for children

With iPads and tablets in so many schools now, there are probably more apps, ebooks and stories downloaded onto Apple Books and Kindle than ever before.  However, the Flash player limitations of the iPad means that a number of great websites can often be ignored.  Here are five of my favourite websites for reading stories online.

1. Oxford Owl This website is also tablet friendly and contains so many books which are easy to filter by age and type.  This website does require a login but the shared class login system makes it ideal for use in Guided Reading or other group tasks.  Really attractive books and a good selection too. All ages.

2. We Give Books Flash needed for this one I'm afraid. Similar to Oxford Owl in style, but no need for a login.  This does makes things easier especially for younger children. Again, you can filter stories by age, genre and author as well as looking for popular or the most recent additions.  A good selection of bright and appealing books for various ages. All ages.

3. Storynory Kind of a back-to-basics style website here. Read along and listen to a variety of stories for all ages.  Poems, fairy tales, classic stories as well as original exclusives are all available.  Again, a good option for Guided Reading and modelling great reading/story telling. All ages.

4. British Council Stories One for younger children and more of a cartoon/animation style than an ebook, but the inclusion of subtitles and narration means it's great for reluctant readers.  There are also activities and mini games that relate to the stories which really help to keep children enthused and engaged. KS1/lower KS2.

5. Myths and Legends Obviously less variety here in terms of genres but there are some brilliant stories.  Again, animations will hook reluctant readers but the onscreen text ensures they can read along to the brilliant narration. Also tablet friendly.  All ages although some myths may be more appropriate for KS2.

I'm sure there are so many other great websites I haven't found yet but these are my favourites (at the moment!) Please let me know if you have any others you and your children like to use. 

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