Project Storytime

"I did a book on video for my children, and they loved it. My wife says they watch it everyday and they talk along with the video just as if I were right there, reading with them.My family and I send our thanks to you for taking the time to help me maintain a running relationship with my children."

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That's the idea behind Project Storytime, a program for incarcerated parents. If reading stories aloud on audio tape is good, then videotape is even better, because children can both hear AND see their mom or dad. Project Storytime is designed to encourage reading aloud to children and promote family bonding.

Project Storytime began in Spring 2004 at the Lakes Region Correctional Facility in Laconia, working with their Parent Connections program. NHPTV Ready To Learn staff provide eligible inmates a workshop on parenting from prison, focusing on ways to foster early literacy development when they talk on the phone or write to their children, or when there are family visits. Workshop participants then choose from a wide variety of children's books, with particular attention to their children's ages and interests.

Inmates are then videotaped in 15-minute segments reading selected books aloud. They read two or three simple picture books, or a few chapters from chapter books. Parents are encouraged to say words of greeting, perhaps comment on why they chose certain books, to talk about the book as they read it, then a closing (usually how much they love and miss a child). The unedited film is transferred to videotape and sent, along with the books read, to the child in care of the custodial parent or guardian.

The response to Project Storytime has been positive and enthusiastic. Inmates who have little or no contact with their children hope this is a way to stay connected. Though most find reading aloud in front of a camcorder a terrifying experience, several inmates have asked to participate more than once.

One mother wrote:
"I would just like to thank you so very, very much for this wonderful program. I have noticed that now my daughter has a video and cassette of her dad, she definitely feels more connected to him. I couldn't thank you enough for what you have done for the soul of a 4-year-old girl."