Picture from Pixabay

I admit it. Initially, when I noticed the cases of the coronavirus growing around the world, I did not imagine that we would begin to shut down in the United States. After all, we have been through Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Ebola, and Swine Flu. The coronavirus tops them all. We are currently readjusting our daily behaviors to save lives. Among these changes are social distancing, working online, and the closing of many schools.

As we contemplate our next moves, we know that it is essential for our youth to keep learning. I regard reading as a foundational subject. I wanted to share a few websites that elementary students can use for reading books. Many students do not have access to the Internet. However, those that do may find these resources helpful.

Books Read Aloud

These websites have video and audio recordings of books.

• Brightly Storytime: https://bit.ly/2IZVVJ0 – In this collaborative project with Random House, storyteller Ms. Linda reads aloud full-length stories.
• International Children’s Digital Library: http://en.childrenslibrary.org/ – This digital library features a collection of free children’s books from around the world from 73 languages.
• Oxford Owl: https://bit.ly/33vR6Aw – This website by the Oxford Press offers support for children’s learning at home and in school.
• Project Gutenberg: https://bit.ly/33B6M5S – This digital library contains full-text e-books from the public domain.
• Storyline Online: https://www.storylineonline.net/-  This website features videos of celebrities reading our favorite children’s books.

Free Printable Books Online

These websites have free printable books and booklets. Note that some of these websites have ads and have biblical materials on them. I recommend sharing direct links to printable materials.

• DLTK: https://www.dltk-teach.com/minibooks/
• Enchanted Learning: https://www.enchantedlearning.com/books/
• Hubbard’s Cupboard: http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/printable-booklets

I have also noticed that the School Library Journal has posted guidelines from publishers for educators, librarians, and booksellers. Some publishers have adapted their policies to allow online read-alouds. Here are the School Library Journal links that summarize the plans.

• Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and others- https://bit.ly/2Qukv9f
• Penguin Random House- https://bit.ly/2WnRm34
• Scholastic- https://bit.ly/33y40yi

This is a strange time for us as we learn to adapt. I think that the changes show that we are resilient and can work together to move forward. I am inspired by our resolve to survive. While this is a bad situation, it is unfortunate situations that often show us how kind other people can be.

Fortunately, we can still teach our students and learn online. The professional development is listed below, just in case you have time to attend. Stay safe.

References

Mysticsartdesign. 2020. Moon Stars Clouds Child Fishing Rod.  https://pixabay.com/illustrations/moon-star-sky-clouds-child-4450739/.

Author: Daniella Smith

Daniella Smith, PhD. is a former school and public librarian. She is currently the Hazel Harvey Peace Professor in Children’s Library Services at the University of North Texas.

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Categories: Professional Development, Uncategorized

Tags: coronavisrus, ebooks, Free Books, oline reading, pandemic resource, reading