'Mondays with Michelle Obama': All you need to know about former first lady's storytelling sessions for children
With most schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic and families isolating together, daily schedules have been thrown out the window. Former first lady Michelle Obama has decided to step in and do her bit to save the day. She is about to bring her own brand of storytelling to the nation's children starting Monday.
What is 'Mondays with Michelle Obama'?
Obama announced the collaboration with PBSKids last Friday. She will be doing a read-along wherein she will read four of her favorite children's books. This will be a weekly series with the former first lady doing a reading every Monday for 4 weeks.
“As a little kid, I loved to read aloud," read Obama's statement that was released for the project. "And when I became a parent, I found such joy in sharing the magic of storytelling with my own children – and then later, as First Lady, with kids everywhere. At this time when so many families are under so much stress, I’m excited to give kids a chance to practice their reading and hear some wonderful stories (and to give parents and caretakers a much-needed break).” the statement continued.
"I'm thrilled to share some of my favorite children's books and give kids an opportunity to practice their reading," Obama wrote on her social media, adding that she hoped parents could catch a "much needed" break through this activity.
In addition to the story readings, each episode will also include a number of activities, tips, and resources for each of the books at Readtogetherbetogether.com as well as companion literacy resources at PBSkidsforparents.org.
When to Watch?
'Mondays with Michelle Obama' will be broadcast every Monday noon ET, for four weeks starting, April 20, 2020.
Where to Watch?
Each reading will be live-streamed on PBS’ Kids Facebook page and YouTube channel as well as Penguin Random House’s Facebook page.
Titles expected
Obama will read from 'The Gruffalo' by Julia Donaldson, 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle, 'There’s a Dragon in Your Book' by Tom Fletcher and Miss Maple’s Seeds' by Eliza Wheeler.
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The Screen Actors Guild Foundation (SAG-AFTRA)-created children's literacy website storylineonline.net features videos of actors reading children’s books. Each book has a recommended grade level and activity guides. Readers include TV legend Betty White reading 'Harry the Dirty Dog', author Jannell Cannon reading her book 'Stellaluna' and Rose Byrne reading '“The Tale of Peter Rabbit'.
Save With Stories, in partnership with Save the Children and No Kid Hungry, is offering stories @savewithstories available both on Facebook and Instagram. The Instagram page also directs parents to 'Save the Children' to donate money toward school and community programs that are feeding children who have been impacted by coronavirus.
Readers include late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon reading his book 'This Is Baby', pop star Demi Lovato reading 'The Gruffalo',Jennifer Garner reading 'Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark' and Lupita Nyong'o reading 'Not Quite Narwhal'.