Children love stories because they're fun and make them use their imagination. Stories help them understand feelings and learn new things. They also teach lessons about right and wrong and how to solve problems. Listening to stories is like going on an adventure, and it's a break from everyday life. Plus, it's a way for children to spend time with others and learn about different cultures and ideas. Overall, stories are important for children because they help them grow and learn in many different ways.

Children love hearing adults reading stories aloud. Listening to the same story again and again helps children learn words better and remember them. It makes them feel safe and happy, and they get attached to the characters and themes. Hearing the same story over and over improves their ability to pay attention and understand what they hear. It also makes them think about the story in different ways, sparking their imagination. Sharing stories repeatedly strengthens the bond between children and their caregivers and makes them enjoy reading more. Predictable stories make children feel more confident about what's going to happen next. In simple terms, hearing the same story many times helps children grow smarter, happier, and closer to those around them.

Below are several links to online stories for everyone to enjoy!

Early Years and Key Stage 1

Looking for something fun as a family? Enjoy story time with the Book Trust's free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, test your knowledge in their book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters. 

Alternatively,  visit the Book Trust YouTube channel for interactive stories, rhymes, poems and games! From Ore Oduba reading 'A Busy Day for Birds' to Cressida Cowell reading 'How to Betray a Dragon's Hero', there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Key Stage 1 and 2

Little People, BIG DREAMS

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages. Click on the links to listen to these amazing stories.

Key Stage 2

Since 2011, BBC Radio 2 have ran the 500 word competition. The competition gives children aged 5 - 11 the opportunity to use their creativity and imagination to write a story they would love to read and win some amazing prizes. Every year, stories from the top 50 finalists are published and read aloud by an actor on the 500 Word Website.

Why not listen to some of the finalist's stories from 2023 and from previous years. There is a story to suit everyone.

Click here to listen!

To listen to previous year's winning entries, click here.

Podcasts

Whether on the way to work, while travelling long distances or simply as a way to relax at home, many adults enjoy listening to audio books and podcasts. Did you know there are lots of fantastic, fun and free podcasts for children to enjoy too? Click here for recommendations for kids or find out the best podcasts of 2023 from adventure stories to detective stories. There is something for everyone.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-podcasts-of-the-year-2023

Online Books

Visit the link below to access a range of online books for all ages.

Oxford Owl has a  free eBook library that has been created to help children aged 3–11 to develop their reading skills at home.

All their eBooks are free to use, but you will need to register or sign in.