The Librarian's Internet-Once Upon a Web
Simple, online stories to hook new readers
Gail Junion-Metz -- School Library Journal, 7/1/2000
Have you or your kids ever used an online story to help with reading? Even if you've never used a computer, LCD projector, or a screen to read a story to young children, take a look at the following sites. They might inspire you to add "online storytime" as a new activity in your children's room.
Alfy--Storyville
www.alfy.com/Storyville
PreK-Gr 2--Nine of the coolest interactive stories on the Web, each with animated characters and sounds. While waiting for the stories to load, kids can play age-appropriate games. Kids help to "read" each story once it's loaded by clicking on specific objects. Stories can be read in English and heard in either English or Spanish. Sponsor: Alfy.com and JC Penney. Don't Miss: "Alfy's Fort," a story about imagination. Detour: Go to www.alfy.com/Cool_Sites/Books_and_Stories/index.asp for links to other Web sites that contain stories for kids. Tech Stuff: Flash 4, sound card, and speakers.
StoryPlace
www.storyplace.org/storyplace.asp
PreK-Gr 2--This public library site redefines the term storytime. The five animated stories in the "PreSchool Library" link include sounds, read-along text, and narration. Each story has a related online learning activity, an at-home activity, and a list of books so kids can "read more about it." Sponsor: Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (NC). Don't Miss: "Clyde's Smile" and the Spanish version of all the stories and activities at www.storyplace.org/sp/storyplace.asp. Detour: Before leaving, click on the "Book Hive," where kids can see reviews of cool books. Watch for the addition of the "Early Elementary Library" at www.storyplace.org/eel/eel.asp. Tech Stuff: Shockwave and Flash 4.
Between the Lions
www.pbs.org/wgbh/lions/
PreK-Gr 2--Each week, this site, related to the PBS TV show, features a different online story. For a complete list, click on the "Main Site Index" link at the bottom of the home page. Each story has 12 games with differ-ent themes and activities. Sponsor: PBS and WGBH, Boston. Don't Miss: From the "Main Site Index," go to the "Word Helper" section, a great online dictionary. Detour: Sign up for free Net-based newsletter, "ThePaw Print," at www.pbs.org/wgbh/lions/newsletter/index.html. Tech Stuff: Shockwave and QuickTime.
Kids Into Action--Book Club
www.sunshine.co.nz/nz/kia/books/index.html
PreK-Gr 1--Meet Korky the Klickon from the Planet Klick and read about all his adventures. This site from New Zealand contains 17 animated stories designed for new readers, many of which also have sounds. (Some of the sounds are loud and may frighten tots and preschoolers). Sponsor: Sunshine Multimedia Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand. Don't Miss: Simple, nonanimated stories like "Korky the Pirate" and animated, sound-enhanced stories like "Korky's Whale Watch." Detour: "Fun and Games" at www.sunshine.co.nz/nz/kia/coolstore/index.html for nearly 30 activities and learning games. (I especially like "Computer Parts.") Tech Stuff: Shockwave and Flash 4, sound card, and speakers (optional).
Sesame Street--Stories
http://http://www.ctw.org/sitewide/0,3981,stories,00.html
PreK-Gr 2--A collection of nine stories, many of which allow kids to make choices that change the stories as they read along. Kids click on their favorite Sesame Street characters, such as Elmo, Oscar, or Telly, to locate stories featuring them. The stories are not animated, nor do they have sounds, which is a plus for libraries/parents with older computers and slower modem connections. Sponsor: Children's Television Workshop. Don't Miss: "Zoo Who with Betty Lou," a story that changes each time kids choose a different animal part. Detour: "Make a Story" at www1.ctw.org/preschool/makeastory/ss/home/1,1606,00.html, where kids and adults can create a customized story, then either print it or save it online to read again. Tech Stuff: Shockwave.
