In March, the UK celebrates the World Book Day, part of a worldwide movement, marking a particular day in which people all over the world are encouraged to read and share stories with children. Children all over the country will be spotted heading to school in a book character of their choosing and spending time huddled around stories in all shapes and forms.
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Reading to one another
Having a book read is a pleasure that every child should experience regularly, helping to build a lifelong love of books, reading and stories. It is also a gift that any reader can offer to a child – sharing a book that they love, with their own voice.
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If you want to take part in reading a book to a special young person, but you don’t live close by, then Aroundsound offers you a wonderful way to take part. Simply grab a book that you enjoy (visit the local library if you don’t have one to hand), sit somewhere comfortable and hit the big red button on your Aroundsound app to record. When you’re done, you can trim any unwanted parts at the beginning or end, give your recording a title, and simply hit share to send the recording via a unique link – the person receiving doesn’t need the app to listen.
Aroundsound App for iOS and Android
Memories that last
If you’re feeling pro, you could even start a Collection, recording a few stories and sharing under one umbrella folder. If you invite another person to join that Collection, such as the parent or carer of the child, then they can be notified any time you add a new recording.
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Steve Evatt, grandad to Iris (age 5) and Edith (age 3), has become a pro at recording stories and he has created a ‘Grandad’s Bedtimes Stories’ Collection now containing more than 120 recordings. His grandchildren listen to a new one each night, with the lights out, drifting off to sleep. “The girls have stories read to them in person each night, and this is a wonderful addition to that. For me, it’s really special to know they are listening to me read them a book as well and it’s something I can do from home, over 200 miles from where they live. They have their favourites that they have listened to tens of times over!”
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Steve says that the best way is to simply get started. “Don’t worry about making a mistake – just get started and be yourself. I’m always making little slips when I read and the girls enjoy those parts too – especially when I make a little joke out of it”. Why not listen to a few (copyright free) stories from Grandad Evatt for inspiration?
If you fancy having a go recording on World Book Day, just download Aroundsound for iPhone or Android and start recording. You can share a link to your recording without the recipient needing to have the app. Your story will be a gift that keeps on giving!
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