How to connect grandparents and family through story time

As we settle into the new normal of our kids distance learning and all of us staying home as much as possible, it's important to stay connected to our family members and friends around the world. One great way to stay connected is through the power of shared storytime.

For 30 years, United Through Reading has helped military families stay connected through deployments, drill weekends, TDYs, and irregular work hours. Now with shelter in place orders across the country, their app is a great way to stay connected to extended family members in the military.

With the free United Through Reading App military families are able to record and enjoy storytime on demand and also receive complimentary books!

The app launched in May 2019 and uses TroopID to verify military affiliation.

"By using TroopID, retirees, veterans, service members, and their immediate family members have a United Through Reading story station in their pocket - opening up endless possibilities to connect with their families over storytime," said Dr. Sally Ann Zoll, CEO of United Through Reading.

CMSgt (Ret) Denise M. Jelinski-Hall reads everyday to her one year old grandchildren Dakota and Hunter, but last year when she found herself traveling away from their home in Colorado, she turned to United Through Reading.

"Reading their favorite stories provides consistency in their little lives. When Grandma can't physically be there - the recordings are the next best thing. They get to hear Grandma's voice, see my face and all the silly things they love. The recordings also are available on 'their time' as I'm not always available at the right time to read a story but the recordings are always there."

The babies loved it, crawling right up to the laptop their mom Ashley set up for them to have storytime with Grandma, giggling and following along.

Photo courtesy of CMSgt (Ret) Denise M. Jelinski-Hall

For Caitlin Sommer, United Through Reading helps her kids connect with her brother Jesse who is in the Army. Jesse sent a number of books and recordings to his sisters ahead of a deployment and Caitlin's two sons watch them two to three times a week.

"The sappy side of me - I want them to know Jesse, their brain spans are goldfish, for me when he comes back they can pick up where they left off," she said. "As video chat becomes more common, even today with social distancing, it's a wonderful way to stay in touch with people. Reading is really important to kids; it's wonderful they have a personalized video from their uncle."

Whether you want to connect with your niece or nephew, grandchild, or godchild, United Through Reading is a way to stay connected no matter the distance. To learn how to use the app check out this video:

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And the best part about the app? You can send a book to the child for free! So start reading along with all of the kids in your life today - for now and future times away from home. Download it today at utr.org/app.