So, I just signed up to participate in the 2014 Global Read Aloud!
I actually just learned about it today after reading up on the
Global Read Aloud blog. As a teacher I read aloud to my students every
day, even as fifth graders. Research has shown the benefits of reading to
students of all ages because it models fluency, expression and vocabulary
development among other reading skills and strategies. When teachers read
out loud to students often times it is a book that is too hard for them to read
on their own, but one that students are really interested in reading.
When used as an instructional opportunity, read alouds engage students of
all reading levels and invite them to participate in conversations, ask and
answer questions, and even debate over certain topics and issues. There
is a lot of merit to whole class read alouds, so when I heard about the Global
Read Aloud I was intrigued to learn more. Basically, the premise of this
event is to connect students all across the world with one book. For 6 weeks in October every teacher and
class who signs up to participate reads the same book and then shares their
thoughts, feelings and reactions to it with students in other towns, states,
and countries. This communication can be with one, two, or as many other
classes as the teacher feels suitable, and can be made through email, blogs,
skype, and facetime. Knowing the valuable conversations that take place
within the classroom about a book we are all reading together, I can only
imagine how rich and meaningful the discussions will be with other classes in
other parts of the world. Additionally, by bringing students from all
areas of the world together in such a way, students can see what it's like to
live someplace other than their town, and also learn how living in another
country can affect the way people view certain topics or issues.
I am excited to try out this new journey
with my students this fall and anticipate many positive outcomes from the
experience. All that is left to do now is decide which book we will read!
