The COVID-19 pandemic has expanded our vocabulary. We’ve learned new phrases, like self- quarantine, self-isolation, social distancing, safer at home, shelter-in-place, and flatten the curve. But they all equate to the same message: Stay home and away from others. And “others” can include family. 

On Monday, March 9th, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency as coronavirus cases surged in the tri-state area. All members of my immediate family are in New Jersey while I remain in Florida.

As an aunt to three smart, beautiful, sweet and sassy nieces, my BFFs, and one adorable, energetic nephew, Little Man, being separated from them has proven to be one of the hardest parts of social distancing. Within the next few weeks, I’ll be missing three out of four birthdays.

Luckily, staying connected with loved ones has never been easier. With smartphones, tablets, computers, and apps like Facetime and Zoom, today’s technology keeps us feeling close to one another while we have to remain apart.

One of my favorite ways to create meaningful moments with my nieces and nephew has been through storytime. As an educator, I know the value of storytime; children who are encouraged to read are more likely to enjoy and have positive attitudes toward reading, develop early literacy skills, and foster a love of language.

And now, with schools closed indefinitely, storytime can be more helpful than ever. Parents are feeling overwhelmed, wondering how they’re going to keep their kids educationally entertained. Some are juggling the new position as full-time homeschool teacher with their full-time job. I hope that these tips help to not only connect you with your loves but keep them busy and digitally occupied and a bit of a sanity saver for their parents.

Since storytime is such an easy, engaging and fun way to interact, I thought I’d share my top five tips on how to make virtual storytime a hit with your little loves:


Choose a “Best Time” for Storytime

The best time for storytime will depend on both the child’s age and the family’s schedule. Maybe you want to read to your nephew before his afternoon naptime or to your nieces before bed? Perhaps your brother has daily work call at a specific time and reading to the kids at this time allows him to focus without being interrupted. Or maybe it’s a time that gives your best friend the ability to bathe and a baby sibling to bed.

Gather Books

I’m guessing that most storytimes take place at home where your nieces and nephews have a bookshelf filled to the brim with their favorite stories. Meanwhile, you may not have children’s books lying around in your home. And, unfortunately, with most libraries and bookstores closed, popping out to borrow or purchase a book isn’t as easy as it used to be. Don’t fret! I have options for you!

-    Amazon Books offers online shopping for bestselling books delivered straight to your door. However, there are some delays due to Amazon prioritizing essential items for delivery. The good news is that there are a variety of children’s books you can download for Kindle. And you don’t need a Kindle to download Kindle books. Here are tips on how to do that.

-    The Libby App is free and allows you to borrow e-books from your public library. All you need to get started is a library card. There are no subscription costs, no in-app purchases, and no late fees.

-    Streaming online for storytime with produced illustrations is a fun option! I know this may seem like an odd suggestion, but I believe you can have just as much fun listening to a story together with your nieces and nephews. Storyline Online and Brightly Storytime are two of my favorites. Once connected, you'll see how to share your screen. Then, press play and enjoy!

Get Cozy

There is nothing better than a cozy reading environment. Why not create one together with your nieces and nephews? Ask them where they want to read (assuming they are not confined to a desktop computer). You could read to them in a fort they build with blankets, in a tent, or snuggled up on the couch. Perhaps they want to head outside and sit under a tree, or sway in a hammock. Once you have your spot, suggest they grab a comfort item like a blanket or stuffed animal or bottle of milk.

Make sure your area is cozy, too. You make want to create a special “corner” in your space that is designed for “Storytime with Auntie.” Alternatively, if using an app like Zoom, consider changing the background to something special that the second the kids see it, they know it’s Storytime with Auntie.

Be Dramatic

You’ll want to be as animated and dramatic as possible to keep their attention while being virtual. Gestures and movements add to the story. If the character jumps, you jump. If they're sleepy, you yawn and stretch your arms wide. Use silly and different voices, read loudly or softly and read quickly or slow it down. Don’t forget to include props! Dress up like the characters or use a fun face filter if you’re using an app that lets you do that.

Keep It Going

Your “QualAuntie Time” together doesn’t have to end once you've finished reading the story. Have a dance party to a song from the story. Act out the story and take turns being different characters. Ask questions about their favorite characters or parts of the story. Enjoy a special treat relevant to the story (Mom and Dad may need to be in on this one). For example, you read: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, enjoy chocolate chip cookies dunked in milk.

I hope you find these tips helpful in your quest for a successful virtual storytime! Remember to enjoy these moments together; they go by way too fast!

Happy reading,
Lisa

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As the Owner of Preschool Readers, Lisa Vodola, M.Ed., along with her team of Preschool Reading Specialists, provides children aged 3- 5 years a strong academic head start through their award-winning accelerated reading instruction. Preschool Readers has been featured for their educational expertise on CBS and family and parenting media outlets. Visit preschoolreaders.com to sign-up for their free newsletter and receive tips and activities aimed to increase your child's educational success.

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