Kid Calming Activity for the last days before Christmas
If your kids are like mine, they are probably very ready for Christmas Day and all the goodies it brings but there are two more days to endure! A favorite activity we enjoy on rainy days and for times like the two days before Christmas is listening to stories online. It is easy, free, and enjoyable. Of course, it doesn't take the place of snuggling up with a good book and a mom or dad but it can be a calm activity for the kids to do while you are busy wrapping, baking, planning, cooking, etc. and it is a lot less messy than more crafts.
(Homeschooling moms can definitely use these sites year round!)
Here are my two favorite sites for listening to books:
Storyline Online- Provides about 20 books read by famous actors and actresses. The Polar Express is available and is read by Lou Diamond Philips. Other stories include Stellaluna, Enemy Pie, and Brave Irene.
Tumblebooks- This site is a little tricky to get to but is provided free of charge via the Harris County Public Library site from Texas. When you click the link, find the Tumblebooks button. From there wait a second for the site to load and then click Storybooks. There are over 100 wonderful books to choose from and the animation is great. Our favorite right now is "Olive the Other Reindeer". For older readers you can choose Tumblereadables and have access to classics such as "Anne of Green Gables", "Black Beauty", and "The Gift of the Magi". There are also online quizzes, wordsearches, and matching games for the books.
I hope you enjoy "reading and listening" to some great books.
1 frugal-minded friends say:
Thank you! This is fantastic. We check out books on CD quite frequently (thank heavens Alachua county doesn't charge overdue fees). I've found it the easiest way to remain tv-free. I had no idea so much was available online! As always, you've been extremely helpful. Merry Christmas!
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