Story Nory
What it is: Story Nory is a collection of FREE audio books for kids. There is a mixture of new stories, fairy tales, and specially adapted myths and histories. A new audio story comes out each week (this has been true since November of 2005!). Search stories by newest additions, original stories, fairy tales, classic authors, educational, or junior stories. The stories can be subscribed to as a podcast in iTunes, through their iPhone/iPod touch app, via email, or RSS feed. Story Nory offers the text to accompany the audio so that kids can read along.
How to integrate Story Nory into the classroom: Story Nory would make an excellent addition to your reading/listening library. Listening to audio books can be a great way to help students improve comprehension skills, and to listen for different literary features (such a voice, timing, rhythm, annunciation, etc.). Set up a listening center on your classroom computers, an iPod or MP3 lab, or in a lab setting. Students can access stories that are of high interest to them at their level. Students can create book talks, or reviews of the stories to share with their peers. Set up a wiki where students can share their thoughts about the stories they listen to.
Tips: Encourage parents to sign up for the Story Nory emails so that they can share the story of the week with their kids.
Leave a comment and share how you are using Story Nory in your classroom.