There’s a special kind of magic in reading a story to a child. The way their eyes light up, the questions they ask, the shared quiet moments—these are treasures you hold dear. Distance often feels like a barrier to these precious experiences, but technology offers a wonderful bridge. Imagine sharing that cherished bedtime story, even when miles separate you from your grandchildren, seeing their sleepy smiles and hearing their giggles through a video call.

You probably found new ways to connect with loved ones during recent years, perhaps even mastering your first video call. Now, let’s take that comfort with technology a step further. We focus on enhancing those connections, making technology a warm tool for building lasting memories. Reading a bedtime story over a video call, or what we call virtual storytime, gives you a consistent, meaningful way to be part of their daily lives. It’s a simple act that creates profound closeness. This guide offers you the practical steps and encouragement to make it a joyous routine.

Table of Contents

• The Magic of Virtual Storytime: Staying Close to Your Grandchildren
• What You’ll Need for Your Digital Story Nook
• Choosing Your Connection Platform: FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, and More
• Setting Up Your Virtual Storytime Session, Step-by-Step
• Mastering the Art of Reading Aloud on Video Call
• Enhancing Your Virtual Reading Experience: Tips for Lighting, Sound, and Comfort
• Making it a Regular Joy: Routine, Engagement, and Long-Term Connection
• When Technical Glitches Interrupt the Fun: Simple Solutions
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Magic of Virtual Storytime: Staying Close to Your Grandchildren

As grandparents, you understand the profound joy that comes from watching your grandchildren grow. You want to be there for every milestone, every silly moment, every quiet cuddle. When distance makes those in-person visits less frequent, a video call offers a lifeline to their world. Virtual storytime transforms a simple video call into a special ritual, strengthening your bond and making you an active part of their day.

Reading a book together builds a unique connection. You share words, pictures, and a journey into imagination. Doing this over a video call allows you to witness their reactions in real time. You see their expressions, hear their questions, and share laughter. This isn’t just about reading; it’s about presence. You become a familiar, comforting voice and face in their routine, even from afar.

Many seniors discovered the power of video calls during the pandemic, learning to connect with family members who were far away. Now, you can apply those valuable skills to create even deeper, more meaningful interactions. Think about the warmth that fills you when you see a loved one’s face on screen. Extend that warmth to your grandchildren through the magic of a shared story.

“My granddaughter, Lily, lives three states away. For years, I felt a pang of sadness missing out on her bedtime routine. Now, every Tuesday and Thursday, we have our ‘Grandma Story Time’ over FaceTime. Seeing her snuggled in bed, listening intently, is the highlight of my week. It brings us so close, despite the miles.”

This dedicated time sends a clear message to your grandchildren: “You are important to me, and I love spending time with you.” It fosters a sense of security and familiarity, creating memories they will cherish. Furthermore, it encourages a love for reading and helps with language development, all while making precious virtual grandparent activities a reality. You provide connection, comfort, and education, all wrapped up in a delightful package.

What You’ll Need for Your Digital Story Nook

Getting ready for your virtual storytime is straightforward. You likely already have most of what you need. Let’s look at the simple tools that will bring you closer to your grandchildren for video call reading.

• A Device with a Camera and Microphone:
  • Smartphone: An iPhone or Android phone works wonderfully. They are portable, easy to hold, and most have excellent cameras.
  • Tablet: An iPad or Android tablet offers a larger screen, which can make it easier to see your grandchildren and for them to see you and the book.
  • Computer (Laptop or Desktop): Laptops usually have built-in cameras and microphones. If you have a desktop computer, you might need an external webcam and microphone.

  The key is that your device connects to the internet and has a camera and a microphone so you can see and hear each other.

• Reliable Internet Connection:
  • Wi-Fi: If you have internet at home, you probably use Wi-Fi. This connects your devices wirelessly. Make sure you are in a spot with good Wi-Fi signal.
  • Cellular Data: If you use a smartphone or tablet away from home, you can use your cellular data plan, but be mindful of your data usage if you don’t have an unlimited plan. A stable internet connection ensures a smooth video call reading experience, preventing frustrating freezes or disconnections.
• Your Chosen Video Calling App:
  • This is the software you use to make the call. Popular options include Apple’s FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. We’ll discuss these more in the next section. Your grandchildren’s parents will likely already use one of these, making it easy for you to join.
• A Book (or two!):
  • Pick a physical book that you can hold up to the camera. Brightly colored books with large illustrations work best. Consider books your grandchildren already love or new ones you want to introduce.
  • You might also explore digital books or e-books if you prefer, but for showing to the camera, a physical book is often easier to manage, especially at first.
• A Stand or Prop for Your Device (Optional, but Recommended):
  • A small tripod, a phone stand, or even a stack of books can prop up your device. This keeps your hands free to hold the book and gesticulate, allowing for a more natural virtual storytime.

Gathering these items ensures you are ready to create a comfortable and engaging experience for your virtual storytime. Remember, the goal is effortless connection, not perfect technology.

Choosing Your Connection Platform: FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, and More

The first step in knowing how to read to grandchildren online involves picking the right video calling app. You want one that is easy for you to use and, crucially, one that your grandchildren’s family already uses or is comfortable with. Most of these apps are free to download and use.

• FaceTime (Apple Devices Only):
  • Best for: Families who all have iPhones, iPads, or Mac computers.
  • Pros: Extremely simple to use. High-quality video and audio. Built right into Apple devices, so no extra app download needed.
  • Cons: Exclusively for Apple users. If your grandchildren have Android phones, this won’t work.
  • How to use: Open the “FaceTime” app, tap the plus sign to start a new call, and type in a contact’s name or phone number.
• Zoom:
  • Best for: Calls with multiple family members or if some family members use different types of devices (Apple, Android, Windows computers).
  • Pros: Works on almost any device. Easy to join a meeting with a link or meeting ID. Great for larger family gatherings.
  • Cons: Free version has a 40-minute time limit for group calls (though one-on-one calls can be longer). You need to download the app.
  • How to use: Download the “Zoom Cloud Meetings” app. Someone creates a meeting and shares a link with you. You click the link to join.
• Google Meet:
  • Best for: Families who use Google accounts (Gmail). Works across different devices.
  • Pros: Integrated with Google services. Easy to use with a Google account. No time limits for free group calls up to 60 minutes.
  • Cons: Requires a Google account for the host, but guests can join with a link.
  • How to use: Download the “Google Meet” app. Someone sends you a meeting link, and you click it to join.
• WhatsApp:
  • Best for: Families who already use WhatsApp for messaging, especially internationally.
  • Pros: Very popular for text messages, so many families already have it. Free voice and video calls. Works on both Apple and Android phones.
  • Cons: Primarily a phone app, though it has desktop versions. Requires a phone number to sign up.
  • How to use: Open a chat with the person you want to call, then tap the video camera icon at the top of the chat screen.
• Facebook Messenger:
  • Best for: Families who are active on Facebook.
  • Pros: Easy to connect with Facebook friends. Works on phones, tablets, and computers.
  • Cons: Requires a Facebook account.
  • How to use: Open the “Messenger” app, go to a chat with a contact, and tap the video camera icon at the top.

The best choice is the one your family already uses. Ask your children or grandchildren’s parents which app they prefer. Consistency makes it easier for everyone to participate in your regular virtual storytime sessions. Once you decide, make sure you download and set up the app well before your first call. This allows you to practice and get comfortable.

Setting Up Your Virtual Storytime Session, Step-by-Step

Once you have your device, book, and app chosen, setting up your virtual storytime is straightforward. Think of this as preparing your stage for a wonderful performance, creating a special time for grandparent activities.

1. Choose Your Location: Find a quiet, well-lit spot in your home. A place with a plain background, like a wall, works best. Avoid sitting with a window directly behind you, as this can make you appear as a silhouette.
2. Charge Your Device: Ensure your phone, tablet, or laptop is fully charged or plugged in. Nothing disrupts a story more than a dead battery!
3. Prop Your Device: Use a stand, a stack of books, or a sturdy object to prop your device up. The camera should be at eye level, so you look directly at your grandchildren. This also frees your hands to hold the book.
4. Open the App and Prepare to Call:
   • For FaceTime: Open the app, tap the “+” icon, and select your grandchild’s parent from your contacts.
   • For Zoom/Google Meet: Your grandchild’s parent will likely send you a link to join the meeting. Click on the link they sent you. It will usually open the app automatically.
   • For WhatsApp/Messenger: Open the chat with the parent, and tap the video camera icon.
5. Test Your Audio and Video (If Possible): Some apps allow you to test your microphone and camera before joining. If not, don’t worry. Your family will let you know if they can’t see or hear you. A quick test call with a friend or family member beforehand can build your confidence.
6. Consider Headphones (Optional): If you have trouble hearing or if there’s background noise, headphones can improve sound quality for you. Earbuds that come with your phone often work well.

You might see a few icons on your screen during the call. The most common ones are:

• Microphone icon: This mutes or unmutes your sound. If your grandchildren can’t hear you, check if this icon has a line through it (meaning you are muted). Tap it to unmute.
• Camera icon: This turns your video on or off. If they can’t see you, ensure there isn’t a line through this icon.
• End call button: Usually a red phone receiver icon. Tap this when it’s time to say goodbye.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel unsure. Your children or grandchildren’s parents are likely happy to walk you through the first few steps. The aim is to get comfortable with these basic controls so you can focus on the story.

Mastering the Art of Reading Aloud on Video Call

Reading a book over a video call is a bit different from reading in person, but it’s just as rewarding. Here are some tips to make your virtual storytime engaging and fun for your grandchildren.

• Hold the Book Correctly:
  • Hold the book close to your camera, open towards the camera, so your grandchildren can see the illustrations clearly.
  • Position it so that the pages fill most of the screen. This might mean holding it slightly above your eye level.
  • Practice turning pages smoothly so you do not block the camera.

  Remember that the camera is your grandchild’s window into the story.

• Read with Expression:
  • Use different voices for characters.
  • Vary your tone and pace.
  • Emphasize important words.

  Your voice carries the story, so let your enthusiasm shine through.

• Show the Pictures:
  • After reading a page or two, pause and show the full page of illustrations to the camera. Give your grandchildren a moment to take in the artwork.
  • Point to things on the page and ask questions, such as “What do you see here?” or “What do you think will happen next?”

  This interaction makes the story come alive for them, transforming it into a shared experience, much like reading in person.

• Engage and Interact:
  • Ask questions throughout the story: “What’s your favorite animal on this page?” “Why do you think the character feels sad?”
  • Encourage them to point to things on their screen.
  • Pause and let them respond. Silence might feel awkward at first, but it gives them time to process and engage.

  This isn’t just a performance; it’s a conversation.

• Adjust for Age:
  • For toddlers: Choose short, colorful board books. Focus on pointing to objects and making animal sounds. Keep it brief.
  • For preschoolers: Select stories with simple plots and repetitive phrases. Encourage them to say familiar words with you.
  • For older children: They might enjoy longer chapter books, where you can read a chapter a day. You can discuss character motivations and plot twists.

  Tailor your book choice and interaction style to their age and attention span.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Be Silly: Make funny faces, do hand gestures, or even sing a little if the book has a song. The goal is to have fun and make it a memorable experience for both of you.

The first few times might feel a little clunky. That’s perfectly normal! With a little practice, you will find your rhythm and discover what works best for you and your grandchildren. The most important thing is the genuine connection you create.

Enhancing Your Virtual Reading Experience: Tips for Lighting, Sound, and Comfort

A few simple adjustments can significantly improve the quality of your video call reading and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. These are small details that make a big difference for your virtual storytime.

• Optimal Lighting:
  • Face the Light: Position yourself so a light source, like a window or a lamp, is in front of you, illuminating your face. If the light comes from behind you, you will appear as a dark silhouette.
  • Soft, Even Light: Avoid harsh overhead lights that create shadows. A lamp with a diffuser or natural light from a window works best. A well-lit face helps your grandchildren see your expressions clearly, enhancing the connection.
• Camera Angle Matters:
  • Eye Level: Place your device so the camera is roughly at your eye level. This creates a natural, direct gaze, making it feel like you are looking right at your grandchildren.
  • Avoid Up-the-Nose Shots: If your camera is too low, it can give an unflattering view. Prop your device up on a stack of books or a stand.
• Clear Audio is Key:
  • Quiet Environment: Find the quietest spot possible. Close windows to block street noise. Turn off televisions, radios, or noisy appliances.
  • Use Headphones (Recommended): Headphones or earbuds with a built-in microphone often provide much clearer sound and reduce echo. This helps your grandchildren hear every word of the story and every nuance of your voice.
  • Speak Clearly: Enunciate your words. Project your voice slightly, but do not shout.
• Mind Your Background:
  • Keep it Tidy: A simple, uncluttered background helps your grandchildren focus on you and the story. A plain wall or a neat bookshelf is ideal.
  • Avoid Distractions: Turn off anything in the background that might move or create noise, like a fan or a pet walking around (unless you want them to be part of the show!).
• Comfort for You:
  • Comfortable Seating: Sit in a comfortable chair where you can easily hold your book and device.
  • Hydration: Keep a glass of water nearby, especially if you plan to read for a while. Reading aloud can make your throat dry.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Do a test call with a friend or another family member. Ask them for feedback on your lighting, sound, and how you hold the book. A quick dry run can iron out any kinks and boost your confidence for those special grandparent activities.

By paying attention to these details, you create a professional yet warm setting for your virtual storytime, making it an even more enjoyable and immersive experience for your beloved grandchildren.

Making it a Regular Joy: Routine, Engagement, and Long-Term Connection

Consistency transforms an occasional video call into a cherished routine, strengthening family communication and making digital tools for long-distance grandparenting truly effective. Building a regular virtual storytime schedule creates anticipation and a sense of reliability for your grandchildren.

• Establish a Consistent Schedule:
  • Weekly or Bi-Weekly: Work with your grandchildren’s parents to find a regular slot that fits everyone’s schedule. This could be once a week, twice a week, or even just before holidays and special occasions.
  • Same Time, Same Day: Children thrive on routine. Knowing that “Thursday night is Grandma’s story time” creates a special marker in their week.
  • Keep It Manageable: Start with shorter sessions (15-20 minutes for younger children) and extend as their attention spans grow.
• Prepare in Advance:
  • Book Selection: Have a few books ready. Let your grandchildren choose which one you read, or surprise them.
  • Set Up Early: Get your device, lighting, and book ready 5-10 minutes before the call. This reduces stress and ensures a smooth start.
• Beyond the Book: Expanding Connection:
  • Chat Time: Dedicate a few minutes before or after the story to simply chat. Ask about their day, what they did at school, or what they’re looking forward to. This reinforces the personal connection.
  • Sharing Photos and Videos with Family: After storytime, you can ask their parents to share photos and videos of the grandchildren directly with you. You might also share a photo of your own pet or garden. Many video call apps have features to share during or after the call, or you can use dedicated photo-sharing apps.
  • Group Chats for Family Communication: Suggest creating a group chat with your children and older grandchildren. A group chat is a text conversation with multiple people at once, perfect for sharing quick updates, photos, or sending funny emojis (small pictures you can add to messages, like smiley faces).
• Celebrate Milestones Together:
  • Birthdays and Holidays: Use video calls to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. You can sing “Happy Birthday,” watch them open gifts, or share a holiday meal together virtually.
  • Show and Tell: Encourage your grandchildren to “show and tell” you about a new toy, a drawing, or something they learned.
• Involve the Parents:
  • Coordination: Parents are your allies in making this successful. Coordinate schedules, app choices, and any technical questions with them.
  • Feedback: Ask them for feedback on what works well and what could be improved.

Virtual storytime is a beautiful starting point for long-distance grandparenting. It opens the door to consistent, heartfelt interaction, ensuring that distance never truly separates you from the joy of your family. The technology is simply a tool that enables these meaningful connections.

When Technical Glitches Interrupt the Fun: Simple Solutions

Even with the best preparation, technology can sometimes act up. Don’t let a hiccup spoil your virtual storytime. Most common issues have simple fixes. Staying calm and troubleshooting together makes a difference for family communication.

• “I can’t hear you!” or “You’re frozen!”
  • Check Your Internet Connection: Is your Wi-Fi turned on? Is your device connected to the correct network? Sometimes, simply disconnecting and reconnecting to your Wi-Fi can solve the problem. If you use cellular data, ensure you have a strong signal.
  • Restart the App: Close the video calling app completely and then reopen it. This often clears minor software issues.
  • Restart Your Device: If restarting the app doesn’t work, try turning your phone, tablet, or computer off and then back on again.
• “I can’t see you!” or “My video isn’t working!”
  • Check Camera Access: Make sure the video calling app has permission to use your camera. You can usually check this in your device’s “Settings” under “Privacy” or “Apps.”
  • Camera Blocked: Is something covering your device’s camera lens? This sounds simple, but it happens!
  • Flip Camera: Many devices have front and rear cameras. Ensure you are using the front-facing camera, which points towards you. Look for an icon that looks like a camera with arrows circling it to switch cameras.
• Echo or Feedback During the Call:
  • Use Headphones: This is the most common cause of echo. If you are not already, try using headphones or earbuds.
  • Lower Volume: Sometimes, the speaker volume is too high, causing the microphone to pick up the sound. Try lowering the volume on your device.
  • Move Away from Other Devices: If someone else in the house is also on a video call, try to move to separate rooms to prevent sound interference.
• The App Crashing or Closing Unexpectedly:
  • Update the App: Ensure your video calling app is up to date. Outdated apps can sometimes have bugs. Visit your device’s app store (App Store for Apple, Google Play Store for Android) to check for updates.
  • Free Up Space: If your device is very full, it might struggle to run apps. Delete old photos or apps you no longer use.
• “What do all these buttons do?”
  • Don’t Panic: You only need to know a few key buttons (mute, video on/off, end call) to manage a virtual storytime.
  • Ask for Help: Tell your children or grandchildren’s parents. They can guide you or even control some settings from their end. “I can’t seem to unmute myself, can you help?” is a perfectly fine thing to say.

Remember, these are minor roadblocks, not insurmountable walls. The goal is to connect, and a little patience often solves these issues. With each successful resolution, you build confidence and ensure uninterrupted, joyful grandparent activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my grandchildren are too busy for virtual storytime?

It’s understandable that schedules can be tight, especially with school, activities, and other commitments. The key is finding a time that genuinely works for everyone, rather than trying to force it. First, discuss with your grandchildren’s parents to identify a consistent, low-stress slot, perhaps right before bedtime on a specific day of the week, or a short window on a weekend morning. Even a 10-15 minute commitment for a short book can create a meaningful routine. If a regular time proves challenging, consider making it a special occasion activity, such as a holiday story or a birthday tradition. Sometimes, a short, sweet video call where you simply say hello and show them something new in your garden can maintain connection without the pressure of a full story. Flexibility and open communication with the parents are essential.

How do I look better on camera during a video call?

Looking and feeling your best on camera makes the experience more enjoyable for you and your grandchildren. Start by ensuring good lighting: face a window or a lamp so light illuminates your face evenly, avoiding harsh shadows. Position your device’s camera at eye level, using a stand or stack of books, to create a natural, direct gaze. A simple, uncluttered background helps focus attention on you. Wear comfortable, solid-colored clothing, avoiding busy patterns that can be distracting on screen. Finally, remember to smile! Your warm expression is the most important element for looking great and connecting with your loved ones.

My internet keeps cutting out. What can I do?

Frequent internet disconnections can be frustrating. First, ensure you are close to your Wi-Fi router for the strongest signal. If possible, ask if your device can connect directly to the router using an Ethernet cable, which provides a more stable connection. Reduce other internet usage in your home during the call: ask family members to pause downloads, streaming, or online gaming. If problems persist, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Contact your internet service provider if these steps do not help, as there might be a larger issue with your service. You can also try switching to cellular data on your phone or tablet if you have a strong signal, but be mindful of data limits.

How can I make the story more interactive for young children?

Interactive virtual storytime keeps young children engaged and makes the experience more fun. Before reading, ask them to guess what the story is about based on the cover. As you read, pause frequently to show the illustrations clearly to the camera, pointing to characters or objects and asking, “What do you see here?” or “What color is that?” Use different voices for each character and encourage them to make animal sounds or repeat simple phrases with you. You can also ask predictive questions, like “What do you think will happen next?” or relate the story to their own experiences, “Does that remind you of anything you’ve done?” Ending with a quick chat about their favorite part helps solidify the connection.

Can I use different apps for video calls with different family members?

Absolutely, you can use different video calling apps for different family members. It is common for one part of the family to prefer FaceTime because they all use Apple devices, while another might use Zoom or Google Meet due to having a mix of devices or for larger group calls. The most practical approach is to ask each family member or household which app they prefer and already use. This ensures ease of connection for everyone involved. You simply need to have the appropriate app downloaded and set up on your device for each specific family group. This flexibility ensures you can connect with everyone, no matter their preferred platform.

Reading a bedtime story over a video call is more than just a technological feat. It is a heartfelt commitment to nurturing your family bonds, keeping you present in the lives of your grandchildren, no matter the distance. The laughter, the shared imagination, and the quiet moments of connection create an indelible thread of love. You have the tools and the desire to make these cherished virtual storytime experiences a regular, joyful reality. Embrace the technology, embrace the connection, and let the stories bring you closer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. App interfaces change with updates, so screens may look slightly different. The most important thing is making the connection—the technology is just the tool to help you do that.