Virtual Storytime Children — *Source: Pexels*

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 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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!

YMCA Long Island Early Childhood/ Preschool Programs

YMCA Long Island Early Childhood/ Preschool Programs provide a safe and supportive learning environment for young children to grow and thrive. The YMCA of Long Island's Early Childhood/Preschool Programs are committed to providing a safe, supportive learning environment for young children to learn, grow and develop social skills. Our teachers create a warm and loving atmosphere while offering a developmentally-appropriate, engaging curriculum, where children can play, discover and learn. The development of independence, trust and initiative is fostered through a balanced program of choice and structure, quiet and active play, and group and individual time. Our programs encourage children to explore, experiment and learn through literacy, science, dramatic play, block building, art, music and manipulative materials all while acquiring school readiness skills of reading and math. Age ranges for Early Childhood/Preschool Programs are 18 months* - 4 years old. *Please check your local branch as ages vary per branch. YMCA Long Island Early Education/ Preschool Programs are offered at our Glen Cove, Huntington and Great South Bay locations. We offer a developmentally-appropriate, engaging curriculum, where children can play, discover and learn.

Mott Hall Charter School

Located in the Morrisania neighborhood of the South Bronx, the Mott Hall Charter School is a middle school for grades 6, 7 and 8. In its 12 th year, Mott Hall continues to live by its motto &ldquo;RISE to the Challenge&rdquo;; and through these RISE core values - Responsibility, Integrity, Scholarship, and Excellence - scholars are taught the character skills to overcome obstacles and are introduced to these attributes from the moment they walk through the door and reinforced throughout their time at Mott Hall. The Mott Hall Charter School teaches for the 21st Century through its unique approach to learning, providing a holistic educational experience grounded in evidence-based research on how students learn best. Mott Hall accomplishes this through a whole child approach, not merely addressing content but focusing on the key elements of mind, body, character, and social emotional health. Its distinctive mission prepares scholars to succeed in top high schools, colleges, and careers, becoming inquisitive, open-minded, and compassionate citizens of the world. Mott Hall Charter School offers a rigorous academic program grounded in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. Scholars are required to take three years of foreign language, coursework in the arts, and have the opportunity for Regents level classes in mathematics and science in 8th grade. All classes integrate technology and utilize elements of the AVID College and Career Readiness program to provide scholars with the organizational, time management, and study skills they need to succeed. Mott Hall Charter School&rsquo;s programs include access to community-based organizations focused on mentoring, adult civics classes, adult ESL classes, computer science classes, engaging online platforms to increase student learning, after school and Saturday tutoring, art, music, softball, basketball, and much more! Mott Hall is now offering a 6/7 Bridge 12:1:1 self-contained classroom: 1 classroom, 12 scholars, 1 educational teacher, and 1 full-time Special Education teacher.

Buckley Country Day School

Founded in 1923, Buckley Country Day School is a co-educational independent day school serving 350 children in grades Toddler through Eight. We focus on developing a rigorous curriculum and teaching evolving skills required for the students&rsquo; future, while remaining committed to a liberal arts, classical education dedicated to nurturing the &ldquo;whole child.&rdquo;