Storyline+Online+Jennifer+Tarantino



What is Storyline Online?

Storyline Online is a collection of children's books read online by members of the Screen Actor's Guild. There are several well-known stories read aloud by actors and actresses such as James Earl Jones and Betty White. The site also features follow-up activities and ideas for each story that can be accessed online or printed out and distributed to students. Some of the stories on the website are Stellaluna, The Rainbow Fish and Harry the Dirty Dog.

Uses in the Classroom:

I liked the idea of these actors and actresses reading stories for the students. I see this tool mainly used in pre-school through 2nd grade because the stories seem to be geared to these ages. While students love to hear their teachers read to them as often as possible, it is nice to be able to vary activities and allow the students to listen to other voices reading favorite tales. Of course, the readings are even more interesting because these actors and actresses are paid to put life into readings as their careers. This offers a chance for students to hear people and voices that they wouldn't otherwise get to hear. This website does not have a fee associated with it, so it can be used at home as well. Teachers could give this website to parents as an additional resource for home literacy.

The follow up activities are geared towards first and second graders, as there is some reading and writing involved. There are several choices of activities included with each story such as book report ideas, vocabulary activities, searching for various passages and additional books that cover similar topics. I could see having the whole class watching and listening to a story on the white board or smart board and then offering them a choice of several follow-up activities to do on their own or in groups. The stories could also be used during down time as entertainment instead of as part of an assignment.

Below is Lou Diamond Phillips reading "The Polar Express"

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Let me know what you think about Storyline Online!! Enjoy!!!!!!

[|Click to get to Storyline Online!]

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