Dear Parents, In today’s blog post, I’ll share 5 video-inspired tips to make storytime magical for your kids.

Storytime is more than just reading a book—it’s a chance to spark imagination, build connections, and create lasting memories with your children. By incorporating interactive elements inspired by engaging videos, you can transform storytime into a captivating adventure. Here are five video-inspired tips to make storytime unforgettable for your kids, with practical ideas to bring stories to life.

1. Use Expressive Voices Like Animated Storytellers

Kids are drawn to the animated voices in videos like StoryBots or Vooks animated books. Mimic this energy by using distinct voices for each character in the story. A gruff tone for a bear or a squeaky pitch for a mouse adds personality and keeps kids hooked.

How to Do It:

Watch a StoryBots video on Netflix to observe how they vary pitch and tone for characters.

Practice reading a page aloud, exaggerating voices for each character. For example, in The Gruffalo, give the mouse a high-pitched, cheeky voice and the Gruffalo a deep, rumbling growl.

Involve your child by asking them to suggest how a character might sound.

These techniques not only makes the story more engaging but also helps kids distinguish characters and follow the plot.

2. Add Sound Effects in Kids’ Readings

Videos like Kids Read Aloud often include sound effects to enhance the story. You can do the same to make storytime immersive. For instance, a whoosh for wind or a tap-tap for footsteps brings the narrative to life.

How to Do It:

Check out a Kids Read Aloud video (e.g., their reading of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) to see how sound effects match actions.

While reading, add simple sounds: clap for thunder, tap the table for a knock, or whistle for a bird. For The Very Hungry Caterpillar, crunch loudly as the caterpillar eats.

Encourage kids to join in by assigning them a sound, like stomping for a giant’s steps.

Sound effects make the story a multi-sensory experience, keeping young listeners engaged.

3. Act Out Scenes Like Storytime Performances

Storytime videos like those from Barnes & Noble Storytime Online often feature readers who act out parts of the story with gestures or props. You can replicate this by adding simple movements or props to your reading.

How to Do It:

Watch a Barnes & Noble Storytime Online video to see how readers use gestures to animate the story.

For Where the Wild Things Are, stand up and stomp like Max or roar like a wild thing. Use a blanket as a cape or a bowl as a crown.

Invite your child to act out parts, like pretending to climb a tree or sail a boat.

Acting out scenes helps kids visualize the story and makes it a fun, physical activity.

4. Pause for Questions Like Interactive Read-Alouds

Interactive read-aloud videos, like those from Epic! or PBS Kids Read-Alongs, often pause to ask kids questions about the story. This keeps children engaged and encourages critical thinking. You can adopt this technique to make storytime a dialogue.

How to Do It:

Explore an Epic! read-aloud video on their app or website to see how they pose questions mid-story.

While reading, pause at key moments to ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why is the character sad?” For Corduroy, ask, “What would you do if you lost your button?”

Let your child share their thoughts or make predictions, fostering comprehension and engagement.

This approach turns storytime into an active conversation, helping kids connect with the story.

5. Create a Storytime Ritual Inspired by Cozy Video Channels

Channels like A Kid’s Book Read Aloud create a cozy, inviting atmosphere with soft music or a special reading nook. You can craft a similar ritual to make storytime a cherished routine.

How to Do It:

Watch a video from A Kid’s Book Read Aloud to note how they set a warm tone with music or a cozy setup.

Create a storytime nook with pillows, a blanket, and dim lighting. Play soft instrumental music (like a lullaby playlist on Spotify) before starting.

Start with a special phrase, like “Once upon a time, in our cozy nook…” to signal the beginning of storytime.

A consistent ritual makes storytime feel magical and something kids look forward to.

Bonus Tip:

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out this video resource:

YouTube Channel: Tiny Tales and Tunes for Kids. Click here to visit this children’s animation site.

This platform offers endless inspiration to keep your storytime fresh and engaging.

Why It Matters

Interactive storytime does more than entertain—it builds literacy skills, boosts imagination, and strengthens your bond with your child. By drawing inspiration from engaging video read-alouds, you can make every story a memorable adventure. So grab a book, channel your inner storyteller, and watch your kids fall in love with reading!

I hope my 5 video-inspired tips to make storytime magical for your kids help. What’s your favorite storytime tip? Kindly share it with me. Happy reading and watching!