12 Apps and Websites for World Read Aloud Day

World Read Aloud Day is this week...Thursday, Feb 16th.   So what is World Read Aloud Day?

World Read Aloud day was started by LitWorld to bring attention to the power of reading stories aloud to children.  Research shows when children listen to stories read aloud they can become stronger readers.  I recently read an article that shared some great resources to use for World Read Aloud Day (don't be afraid to use them any day) and thought I would share them.  Here is the list of 12 Apps and websites:

1. EPIC (website and app):  gives elementary-school aged readers access to thousands of books. Users can set their preferences, browse the collection and earn badges for achievements.  
2. One More Story (website): This is an online library with plenty of fiction titles that would be great for read alouds 
3. Speakaboos (app): The free version of this app provides 3 free books to download with access to many more with the upgrade.  The stories are engaging with audio and interactive features
4. Blue Planet Tales iOS/ Blue Planet Tales-Android (apps):  This interactive reading library provides lots of choices for students
5. Storyline Online (website):  This is a website you should be familiar with.  Presented by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, stories are read by well known actors reading picture books aloud. 
6. Oceanhouse Media (apps):  Offers dozens of apps from Dr. Seuss to the Little Critters series and plenty of nonfiction titles.  The apps let students read independently by swiping from one page to the next or listen as the books are read aloud. Available in iOS and Android
7. Brainspace (print with app): This educational print magazine is interactive with iPads, iPhones, Android Tablets and smartphones.  The pages come to life with extra content for 8-14 year old students by scanning the page with the augmented reality app Blippar
8. PlayKids Stories (app):  Terrific eBook library that lets you download stories on an iPad.  Kids can listen to a story read aloud or read by themselves
9. Reading Rainbow (website and app):  Reading Rainbow has plenty of titles for independent readers.  Students can work on any device to explore stories independently or with a partner.  
10. Caribu (app):  This app connects two reader (down the street or across the world) so they can explore a picture book together (long distance read alouds...cool). 
11. Goodnight Safari (app):  This is an illustrated interactive book that children can explore independently
12. Shout Science (app):  Interactive book that tells the stories behind science discoveries using nonfiction text features.