Free Read Aloud Videos for Your Homeschool

August 8, 2018
Written by:
Tasha Swearingen

Let’s face it – sometimes, parents just need a BREAK! Arranging for someone else to take over parenting duties can be a task in and of itself, though. Luckily, there are ways to take breaks right at home! Check out these book read alouds and see if they don’t captivate your little ones long enough for you to regroup! Many of these read aloud stories were filmed on location in other parts of the world. Because of that, the books read are bound to be books your children haven’t heard of before!

The Importance of Reading Aloud to Children

Providing young children with opportunities to learn is a critical component to their development. Reading aloud to children is touted as the single most important factor that leads to language development. Furthermore, reading aloud to children builds curiosity and memory. In a well-documented study known as Hart and Risley, the findings indicated that children from lower-income households had approximately 30,000,000 fewer words than children from higher income brackets. Given the importance of reading aloud to children, part of this gap is likely related to fewer instances of exposure to words.

Of course, knowing the importance of reading aloud to children and actually finding the time to do so might be two different things. We’ve put together a collection of online read-alouds to help you along the way! You can get comfortable and enjoy these read-alouds with your children, or you can take the opportunity to get other work done while Rebecca Kochenderfer reads to your children!  

Underwater Zoo

This cute story read-aloud is about life underwater! It exposes children to many of the sea creatures that live deep in the ocean, giving children a unique perspective from which to learn.

Jafta

Have you ever been so happy you’ve “laughed like a hyena?” In this cuddly tale, the main character – Jafta – compares his everyday feelings to the actions of animals!

The Red Dragon of Wales

Do you know any Welsh history? Your children will after hearing this story! This book tells the story of how the red Welsh dragon defeated the white English dragon.

How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids

This children’s adaptation of the book How Full Is Your Bucket? takes children on a journey through the day learning how to be “bucket fillers.” The boy in the story starts with an empty bucket and finds opportunities to fill his it. Watching it “come alive” is exciting in itself!

The Story of Easter & The Easter Egg

Rebecca was on location at a bookstore in Washington and asked the bookstore owner for a couple of recommendations. The number one book was The Easter Egg by Jan Brett.

The Jazz Fly

This is an adorable story that truly celebrates music and culture. In it, a fly – who only speaks jazz – asks other critters the way around town. Though they answer the best way they can (in their own animal noises), the fly “hears” music in each answer. As a special treat, this one is read by its author!

Henry’s Freedom Box

This is a true story from the Underground Railroad. It’s about a young boy who mailed himself to freedom. Perfect for Black History Month or any time of year!

Sometimes getting a break is hard to come by! With these videos, your kids are sure to give you a few minutes to yourself. And, since they’re on YouTube, your kids can watch these over and over. Win-win!

Tasha Swearingen

Tasha is a homeschooling mom to 5 and has been homeschooling for 14 years. Currently, her children's ages span from toddler to young adult. Tasha has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Social Sciences from Florida State University and is working on her MBA through SNHU/Berklee School of Music.