Reading to grandkids on video can be fun for both Grandmas and grandkids.

We all know that reading to kids is essential on many levels.  It stimulates the child's imagination, introduces new words, creates a love for books, and helps develop creative thought.  It can also help build a bond between the reader and the child.

Tips for Reading to Grandkids on Video

When my boys were growing up, reading time was our favorite time of day.  They loved it and I loved it.  We never had any trouble getting them in bed because reading time was always part of the sleep time preparation.  Even as teenagers they were allowed reading time before lights out.

As a grandma, I was reading time to be a special bonding time with my granddaughters.  When I'm with them I usually find an opportunity to read a book.  I can't always be with them and some of you may be separated by thousands of miles.  Thankfully we have video.

Here are some winter-themed books you will have fun reading to your grandkids.

You can make reading time on videos a fun time for everyone.  Here are some tips.

Preparing to Read on Video

Reading on video is really no different than reading in person.  I do like to prepare in advance.

1. Choose a book with colorful, easy to see pictures.
2. Read through the story in advance so you know what you want to point out in the pictures and any lessons you want to reinforce.
3. Be sure to pause before turning the page to give your grandchild enough time to look at and enjoy the picture.
4. Use sound effects as appropriate.
5. Laugh and show emotion as appropriate.

Have fun!

Using Your Windows 10 Laptop

You can record a video from your Windows 10 laptop.  Here's how you get started.

1. Launch the Camera app from your start menu. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen to launch your apps list.  Find the "camera app" in the list and click on it. Another way is to type "camera" in the search bar found at the bottom left of your screen. Click on the "Camera App" button.

2. To record a video, Switch to Video Mode by clicking the video camera icon. Click again to begin recording. You'll see the time stamp in the bottom middle of the screen start to time your video

3. Record the Video. To stop recording click the red box.  You can also pause the video at any point using the pause icon. When you are reading a book it will look to you as if the video is recording backward.  When you play the video back, you will see it recorded the words are as they should be,

4. Save the video to share.

Using Your Smart Phone

I prefer to use my Android cell phone when making my videos because the camera quality on my phone is better than on my laptop. I purchased a stand to hold the phone while I read the book.  The steps will be the same on your iPhone or iPad.

1. Place the phone is the stand to record the video over your shoulder while you read the book.  In this position, the video will be as if your grandchild is sitting next to you. Here is a shot that shows you the angle set up I like best.

2. Record the video.

3.  Use the editing app as needed and save your video to share.

How to Share Your Video

My recommendation is to share your videos to an account where you can share links to the video.

1. If you have a Google account set up a Google Photos album to house all the videos.  Share the album with family members to access the videos as desired.

2.  Dropbox is also an easy to use storage option.  It is easy to links with family members there as well.

For both of these recommendations, you need to be aware of the "free" storage limits.  Google just announced they will be charging for exceeding storage limits in June 2021.  Dropbox has a paid level of storage as well.

It's time to get reading, Grandmas!