The Best Virtual Storytime and Read-Alongs for Kids

Virtual Storytime Children
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Storytime is a big part of every childhood and reading aloud regularly to babies and young children is one of the most effective ways to foster early literacy. It is a crucial factor responsible for building language and social skills as well as pronunciation and vocabulary. Introduce your children to classic children’s’ books and read along with storytellers like Michelle Obama and Julie Andrews.

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Virtual Storytime and Read-Alongs for Children

New York Public Library Virtual Storytime

No matter the circumstances, New York Public Library brings the joy of reading to the readers. Children’s librarians will read books, sing songs, and share early literacy tips with your children. Don’t miss the special storytime of Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience & Fortitude, a picture book by Josh Funk and read by him, or Buenas Noches Luna (Good Night Moon) by Margaret Wise Brown, and a muppet show for bilingual children. And check out the At Home Storytime guides that allow you to conduct your own storytime from home!

Julie’s Library: Storytime With Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews’ new podcast “Julie’s Library” will give a new unique voice to the best children’s classics. This weekly audio series created by Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton will share their library and read their favorite children’s books. Every tale will come to life with music and special guests who will surprise the listeners every week.

Monday Storytime with Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama remembers her favorite chidren’s book from the time her dauthers were little. The former First Lady will read four of the most beloved picture books, including The Gruffalo, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, There’s a Dragon in Your Book, and Miss Maple’s Seeds. You can watch the videos on the PBS Kids Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

Harry Potter at Home

Seventeen weeks of Harry Potter read by Daniel Radcliffe, Stephen Fry, David Beckham, Dakota Fanning and others. Many inspiring contributors will help your children read through the first Harry Potter book, as they will get introduced to the Dursleys and to the magical world of Hogwarts. You can subscribe to Harry Potter at Home and get all the latest updates on further video readings too.

Read Together, Be Together

This is a federal campaign promoted by Penguin Random House and Parents magazine that celebrates the value and power of a shared reading experience between a parent and child. Every day, celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Alan Cumming read a book on their Instagram or Facebook page at 3 pm. All recordings will be available on the Read Togheter, Be Together website afterward.

HarperKids from Home

Harper Publishers know that literature, art, music and other creative activities help create conversation, get children’s imaginations running wild and bring families together. During the COVID-19 crisis, while children and parents are at home and practicing social distancing, HarperKids are inviting you to come together in a safe way, every day. Join the HarperKids team each day at 12 pm for storytimes and read-alouds, fun content, and entertainment. Follow them on FacebookInstagramTwitter, and YouTube Kids.

Dav Pilkey at Home

Hello, Supa Buddies! Find Dav Pilkey at Home on Scholastic and the Library of Congress featuring read-alouds, drawing lessons and other fun activities. Get creative and have fun with some of your favorite characters including Dog Man and Captain Underpants! Every Friday you will discover new activities, exciting videos, and stories!

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The Green Vale School

<p dir="ltr">The Green Vale School is Long Island's largest preeminent private school for Pre-Nursery (age 2) to 8th Grade. Families from some of NY's top school districts choose Green Vale for its exceptional academics taught in a purposefully joyful environment. Founded in 1923, Green Vale has exemplified educational excellence, molding well-rounded individuals equipped not just for the classroom but for life's journey ahead. Rooted in joy, the school's unique approach cultivates intellect, character, and confidence, ensuring students transcend classroom boundaries. </p> <p dir="ltr">At the core of Green Vale’s ethos lies a belief that early years form the bedrock of a fulfilling educational journey. In these formative stages, curiosity blossoms, creativity finds its wings, and crucial foundational skills are honed. It's here that the dedicated faculty and comprehensive curriculum pave the way for lifelong success.</p> <p dir="ltr">What distinguishes Green Vale is its commitment to tailored programs for each developmental stage: Early Childhood (Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten), Lower School (1st – 5th grade), and Upper School (6th – 8th grade). Each phase is a transformative experience, emphasizing not only academic excellence but also values like character, reflection, and community spirit. From nurturing social/emotional growth and discovering new passions in Early Childhood to fostering astute thinkers and executive functioning skills in Lower School to developing social awareness and leadership skills in Upper School, Green Vale nurtures well-rounded individuals ready to conquer the next step.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the school’s commitment transcends traditional academia. It’s about fostering holistic development—where the arts, interscholastic sports, and service-learning blend seamlessly into the curriculum, instilling life skills, leadership, and a deep sense of community. At Green Vale, character education isn’t a subject but a guiding principle, shaping students into empathetic, responsible, and principled individuals.</p> <p dir="ltr">Amidst it all, the school's dedication to small class sizes ensures personalized attention, creating an environment where every student is known and understood—a community where individual strengths are celebrated, and challenges are met with unwavering support.</p> <p dir="ltr">In essence, The Green Vale School aims to offer more than just an unmatched educational experience. It’s a place where differences are celebrated, joy sparks learning, and character development is as vital as academic achievement. It’s a testament to a century-long commitment to shaping generations of lifelong learners and compassionate global citizens.</p>

The Mary Louis Academy

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; color: #000000;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">A High School for young women valuing faith and service with dedicated teachers, challenging academics, outstanding facilities, and friends for life. The TMLA experience produces stellar college acceptances and confident graduates who know how to lead.</span></p>

The French American Academy

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; color: #000000;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">We believe that learning a second language at an early age is a life-long advantage which will benefit our children both academically and cognitively. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, nurturing, international learning environment where students can develop fully in both French and English.</span></p>