Smories is a website with short videos of children reading original stories for kids. There are 50 new Smories added every month. Writers are encouraged to submit their original children’s stories to be featured on the website.
The stories are advertised as being suitable for children aged three to eight although there are many stories that would also appeal to children older than eight.
There is a special version of Smories available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and there will soon be an iPad version.
I have been using this site with my Grade Two class as a means of modelling reading with expression and also as a comprehension activity. I have been encouraging the students to picture the story in their mind as they listen. Listening to Smories is also a good way to revise the features of a narrative.
My students have really enjoyed the stories and find it quite appealing to listen to children their own age.
Next time we do a story writing activity I am going to get my students to publish their work “Smory style” which we can then put on our class blog.
There is something really sweet and simple about this site that is appealing. I am going to show these to my son tonight, I think he will really love them. I found it interesting that there were so few boys reading, not going to read too much into it though. Great find. Thanks.
@Christopher, you’re right about the boys! Where are they?? When I first saw the site I was under the impression that the kids wrote the stories and sent their film in however I quickly realised the kids are actors. I’m sure there are plenty of young male actors around!
Thanks for your comment.
Kathleen
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Smories are such a great idea! I like your idea of introducing the site to students and then encouraging them to make their own smories to be posted on the class blog. I have a feeling parents and grandparents are going to be thrilled with that idea!