DIY Digital Storytime: Women in History

We're going to use Bookflix again today to read some powerful kids stories. To get to Bookflix, go the Kids Library webpage and look for the purple icon. Then login with your library card.

Bookflix is a great literacy resource for kids who are just learning to read, designed with pre-readers through 3rd graders in mind. With all the pictures and icons that speak, even non-readers can easily navigate the website for themselves. Kids get to watch the video version of a storybook, then read (or listen to) a non-fiction book about a similar topic. After that, there are fun games and activities to play, educational websites to visit, and interesting information about the author. For teachers, each book pair comes with a lesson plan as well as a “Curriculum Correlations” tool to easily see how the lesson aligns with the Kansas College and Career Ready Standards.

Follow along below for an enjoyable storytime.

This week’s theme: Women in History

Jacqueline Woodson shares a powerful story passed down through her family for generations. Soonie's great-grandma pieced together bright patches with secret meanings made into quilts called Show Ways -- maps for slaves to follow to freedom. When she grew up and had a little girl, she passed on this knowledge. Generations later, Soonie taught her own daughter how to sew beautiful quilts to be sold at market and how to read, honoring the many courageous and inspiring women who have gone before her. You can find Show Way in the "People and Places" section or click on the book cover above after you log in. Before you read, introduce your kids to the word of the day: freedom-- being able to make your own choices in your life; not being owned or controlled by another person.

When you're finished you can read about Harriet Tubman, conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Harriet Tubman was also know as "Moses" because she led people out of slavery. Listen to kids like you sing the African-American spiritual "Go Down Moses/Let My People Go."

Bonus Activity:

Read another Biography of an inspiring woman. Discuss the life lessons you can learn from her. Check out the bookshelf below for ideas:

Have a topic you’d like to see featured in DIY Digital Storytime? Tell us in the comments below.

Natalie Moreland

Parents & Teachers