As a parent of a preschool-aged child I am always looking for new resources - My daughter especially likes to get online, using my computer to play games, find coloring pages or to just to look at pictures. I don't mind really, my son wasn't interested in the computer so this is a learning experience for me too.

The other day, I was introduced to a new resource provided by the University Center for the Development of Language and Literacy (UCLL) at the University of Michigan. The website is designed for parents (or caregivers) and their pre-school aged children to help understand how social language stories help stimulate language development in preschoolers - The introduction of the site was perfect timing for me! The site has a lot to offer for parents, but specifically, is going to post free online stories for children.

An illustration by Lori McElrath-Eslick from "Maddie Gets Ready For Bed"

The first story developed, “Maddie Gets Ready for Bed”, will be the beginning of a series of downloadable stories created especially for young children learning language. The story's simple black and white line drawings were easy to follow (they would also make nice coloring pages), and were engaging for my daughter. She has been sounding out more letters recently, so I was even able to get her to sound out some of the easy to read words in the story.

Each story can be read on-line, or printed and used as a readable coloring book. A story-teller tutorial and interactive prompts complement the text, illustrated with specially designed artwork. My daughter and I will be sure to check back with the website often to read the latest stories posted.

To learn more on the University Center for the Development of Language and Literacy (UCLL) program at the University of Michigan and their Social Language Stories, be sure to visit their website.

Tammy Mayrend is a Search Marketing professional who blogs on local activities for families at annarbormom.com.