I was lucky enough to spend time with Scott and Tim Bedley discussing the Global Read Aloud. I am so thankful for all of the people that love it as much as I do.
Year: 2015
If You Are New to the Global Read Aloud – Tips For You #GRA15
Every year, the Global Read Aloud grows even bigger. It is quite astounding honestly. But with growth also comes more questions, thus this blog post to hopefully help all of the new facilitators that have signed up for this year!
To see basic information, such as chapter breakdowns, start date, and hashtags, please go to this page.
Before the project:
How do I get the books?
Since headquarters is just me and my ideas, there is no way for me to purchase the books for you. I am sorry. So please do get the books ordered on your own. To see this year’s books and order them, please go here.
Why should I be a part of the Google Group?
I use the Google group to email you any information that you may need, as well as updates on author participation and such. If you have not received emails from me yet, please join the Google group here or check in your spam folder. And if you got this information via your email – wahoo, you are a member of the Google group. (And no I don’t share your email or information with anyone).
What do we use Edmodo for?
Edmodo is used as a safe space for teachers to connect, ask questions, and share ideas. Please join your respective Edmodo group to connect with others doing the same book as you and to find people to connect with you. Edmodo is also used during the GRA by teachers, but that is something they set up between their classes. To see the teacher groups for Edmodo, go here.
How do I connect using Edmodo?
After you have joined your group and I have approved you (which I do on a daily basis) there are two different ways; you post a connections wanted post in your group, or you respond to one. If you post a connections wanted post, please make sure people have a way to get in touch with you such as email or Twitter handle. One you have found the connections, please alert people that you have found them. Also, please reach out to all people that respond to your post, even if it is to say you have found someone already.
If you respond to a connections wanted post, make sure you describe your classroom and give them a way to contact you.
What should I post in my connections wanted post?
It helps if you do age group, location, experience level, as well as what types of tools you feel comfortable using or would like to use. That way people can respond with similar dreams. You can post anything else that you think is helpful as well.
What if I don’t want to use Edmodo?
Then you can look for connections via Twitter using the hashtag #GRA15 or post on our Facebook page as well. There is also a Google Doc where you can post and search for a connection.
How many connections should I be looking for?
You decide. I like to have one solid connection for each of my classrooms and I like to have our ideas cemented before the project starts, that way I know for sure I am connected with someone. However, I also like to look at what else is going on during the project, so checking in on the Twitter hashtags, seeing what other people are sharing and such. Some people like to have several connections ready in case one doesn’t work out.
Should I read the book(s) beforehand?
Up to you. I like to read them to make sure I am choosing the right book for my students, and I like to think about the discussions/projects/connections we will have. But there is no rule.
During the Project:
What tools should I use to connect with others?
Again, up to you. Here is a list of great tools I have used in the past. You can also decide with your connection(s) to try something completely different. If you have an idea for a tool to use please share it with others, this is how the project becomes so awesome! If you are using Kidblog or something that requires others to go to your site to connect with you, then make sure your site is open to the public so others can view it and comment.
What should we read when?
To see the weekly breakdowns, go here. Don’t worry if you get behind (I do every year!). Just don’t read ahead.
Are there lesson plans?
No, however, many many people share ideas on the Edmodo groups or on Twitter. I also have a Pinterest page where I try to share as much stuff as I can.
What are things you can do with your students?
The sky is the limit. I see people use Skype for discussion calls or to guest read aloud. Many use Padlet to share about. People use Kidblog or to have students write about the books and then have others comment. People use Twitter to share projects and also to participate in a slowchat that will happen for some of the books. People use WriteABout to create writing communities. This year Sway from Microsoft is also an option with your very own Sway community. To see more about some tech tools, please go here.
How much should we do?
As much or as little as you want. You can share as much with the world as you feel comfortable doing or as little. Some choose to simply read the book aloud to their class knowing that they are part of something bigger without connecting with others, others choose to go as big as possible. Find your comfort zone in this and make it work for you.
Do I have to use technology?
No, you should connect in some ways. Technology makes that easier but you don’t have to use it if you can’t or do not want to.
Can I make shirts or other things for my students to show we participated?
Please reach out to me first, the name “Global Read Aloud” is trademarked.
After the project:
We finished the book, now what?
Hopefully the connections will continue. Many, myself included, use the Edmodo groups throughout the year to find others to do projects with. I do not shutdown the Edmodo groups, nor do I lock them down. So please continue to use the space to do projects and share ideas.
Are you reading books for next year?
Yup! The minute books are selected for the year, I start my search for the next year’s amazing books. If you want to know more about the process, go here. If you are an author and want your book considered, please go here.
I hope this was helpful. If you still have questions, please leave them here or contact me via email or Twitter. This was very long, I apologize, but I hope it was helpful.
Calling All Librarians/Mass Facilitators, There’s a Group For You #GRA15
If you are a mass facilitator for the Global Read Aloud, I have created a specific Edmodo group for you. This group is to be used to find others in your similar situation, share ideas, and make connections.
So if you are:
- A point person for many classrooms
- A librarian that is doing the project with many students
- A tech director or other more administrative position where you support and oversee
- Any other position where you are the link between the project and other people
To join this group, go here
You can still be a part of the other Edmodo group but thought I would make it a little bit easier for you to find others in your similar situation.
To join the Edmodo GRA groups when you have an account, please click the link for the group you need:
Edmodo Group for Author Study of Amy Krouse Rosenthal – https://edmo.do/j/ua74i9
Edmodo Group for The Year of Billy Miller – https://edmo.do/j/kpxbgs
Edmodo group for Fish In A Tree – https://edmo.do/j/j4t583
Edmodo Group for Fish – https://edmo.do/j/cdhjkc
Edmodo Group for Yaqui Delgado – https://edmo.do/j/rs5ips
Weekly Breakdown For the Books #GRA15
It is time to determine what we read every week for the Global Read Aloud. Please see the weekly chapter breakdown below for each selected book.
Week 1: Part One – Teacher; Chapter 1 – 4
Week 2: Teacher; Chapter 5 – Father; Chapter 3
Week 3: Father; 4 – Sister; 2
Week 4: Sister; 3 – Sister, 5
Week 5: Mother; 1 – Mother; 3
Week 6: Mother; 4 – End
Week 1: Chapter 1 – 8
Week 2: Chapter 9 – 17
Week 3: Chapter 18 – 24
Week 4: Chapter 25 – 33
Week 5: Chapter 34 – 42
Week 6: Chapter 43 – end
Week 1: Chapter 1 and 2
Week 2: Chapter 3 and 4
Week 3: Chapter 5 and 6
Week 4: Chapter 7
Week 5: Chapter 8
Week 6: Chapter 9-10
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass
Week 1: Chapter 1 – 6
Week 2: Chapter 7 – 12
Week 3: Chapter: 13 – 18
Week 4: Chapter 19 – 24
Week 5: Chapter 25 – 31
Week 6: Chapter 32 – End
Amy Krouse Rosenthal Author Study:
Week 1: We start with Chopsticks
Week 2: Week 2 is all about Duck! Rabbit!
Week 3: Then on to It’s Not Fair!
Week 4: Week 4 will focus on the trials of being an Exclamation Mark
Week 5: I love that we end week 5 with The OK Book
Week 6: Your choice!
Hashtags for Global Read Aloud 2015 #gra15
Twitter is the home of the Twitter slow-chat for the books, as well as the hub for a lot of sharing out. The official hashtag for the Global Read Aloud is #GRA15, however, each book also has its own hashtag:
Amy Krouse Rosenthal: #GRAAmy
The Year Of Billy Miller: #GRABilly
Fish In a Tree: #GRAFIAT
Fish: #GRAFish
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: #GRAYaqui
The authors of the books can also be connected with through Twitter and will sometimes even tweet back!
Amy Krouse Rosenthal is @MissAmyKR
Lynda Mullaly Hunt: @Lynmullalyhunt
L.S. Matthews (Whose name is really Laura Dron): @Lauradron
Meg Medina: @Meg_Medina
What is a slowchat? It is when a class posts questions for other students to answer and they post them throughout a week, you can therefore tweet them back at any time during the week rather than during a set time. I will post slowchat sign ups later this summer.
A Few Resources to Make the Global Read Aloud Easier #GRA16
I often get asked for handouts for the Global Read Aloud and finally found the time to create some. So feel free to pass these along or make them your own, just make a copy and edit as needed. Note: These are specific to this year and do not have active links in them. Let me know if there is anything essential missing.
The GRA FAQ handout: Meant for handing out to teachers and others that will participate in the project. Please go here.
The GRA Home handout: Meant to be sent home with students to explain what the Global Read Aloud is. Please go here.
The GRA Tools handout: Meant to showcase a few tools facilitators may want to use with their classrooms. Please go here.
Choices for Global Read Aloud 2015 #GRA15
While i may be the creator of the Global Read Aloud, this project would be nothing without the amazing authors that give us such incredible books to share. So in case you need a handy reference guide for which books we are reading this year, here you.
Author Study:
This year’s author study is the incredible Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Her picture books have long enthralled all of my students and aIso I am so happy to have her and her genius be the focus this year. Remember, this is not just open to younger grades, anyone can do the author study! All images will link to the actual book on Amazon.
Week 1:
We start with Chopsticks
Week 2:
Week 2 is all about Duck! Rabbit!
Week 3:
How many times do I hearIt’s Not Fair!
Week 4:
Week 4 will focus on the trials of being an Exclamation Mark
Week 5:
I love that we end week 5 with The OK Book
Week 6:
Your choice! Pick whichever Amy Krouse Rosenthal book you want to finish the project!
Ages 7 and up (or whichever age group you decide):
When I first read The Year of Billy Miller
Ages 9 and up (or whichever age group you decide):
I swear Lynda Mullaly Hunt wrote Fish in a Tree
Ages 12 and up (or whichever age group you decide)
L.S. Matthews, or Laura Dron, wrote an incredible book with Fish
Ages 14 and up (or whichever age group you decide):
Yes, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass
There you have it, happy reading, happy connecting. We kick off October 5th!
The Edmodo Groups Are Open for Teachers for Global Read Aloud 2015 #GRA15
Every year, I have used Edmodo groups for teachers to share ideas, make connections, and post any random questions they may have pertaining to the book they are doing for the Global Read Aloud. Edmodo has worked well for many teachers as a way to communicate with others and to find inspiration. While you do not have to join the Edmodo group to be a part of Global Read Aloud, or use it with your students, many have found it as an easy way to be connected and to connect with others.
To Join Edmodo if you do not already have an account:
Follow these three simple steps to create a Teacher Account:
- Go to www.edmodo.com. The “Teachers” button will already be selected by default.
- Fill out the registration form and select the “Sign Up” button to complete the sign up process.
- Check your e-mail for a confirmation to view the next steps for setting up your Edmodo Account.
To join the Edmodo GRA groups when you have an account, please click the link for the group you need:
Edmodo Group for Author Study of Amy Krouse Rosenthal – https://edmo.do/j/ua74i9
Edmodo Group for The Year of Billy Miller – https://edmo.do/j/kpxbgs
Edmodo group for Fish In A Tree – https://edmo.do/j/j4t583
Edmodo Group for Fish – https://edmo.do/j/cdhjkc
Edmodo Group for Yaqui Delgado – https://edmo.do/j/rs5ips
I personally use Edmodo as a way to find people to connect with, it is a lot more manageable than sending out tweets. Let me know if you have any questions.
Join Our Google Group to Stay in the Know for Global Read Aloud 2015
I have long used Google groups to help communicate with all of those that sign up. It provides me with a safe and easy method of communication and lets participants know all of the things they need to know for a smooth Global Read Aloud. Since I am the only one that can post to the group it doesn’t become a forum where people are inundated with messages, but rather snapshots of knowledge for all those who sign up.
Typically I add new members directly, but since the project has grown to be so large, it is hard to keep up with all of the manual adding. Therefore, if you would like to be a part of the Google group, and you have already signed up, please follow these instructions (You do not have to have a Gmail account to do this).
- Go to this link to search for the group
- In the search box at the top search for “Global Read Aloud 2015”
- Click join group
That’s it!
What might you get from joining the group? Updates, timelines, ideas, and the latest information to help your experience with the Global Read Aloud be a great one. I hope it is helpful to you.
ISTE to Recognize the Global Read Aloud
The story of the Global Read Aloud is a very simple one indeed. What started as a summer night’s conversation and a “What if…” moment spoken aloud, has turned into a global event that somehow grows, changes, adapts, yet perseveres year after year. As new people join our family, as new incredible books are selected, as new technology is incorporated, the mission does not change; one book to connect the world. One book to read aloud. When I look back at the rise of the GRA, I don’t quite know how it happened, only that I am so grateful that it has.
Yet, this project is not just mine, it belongs to all of the educator, children, parents, and administrators that have seen value in it. That have believed in it and made it their own. It belongs to the world, as any global project should do, and yet, it is still my baby. Something that takes up so much time but is so rewarding.
I am therefore incredibly humbled, yet so very excited, to announce that I have been selected for the first annual ISTE Innovation in Global Collaboration award for the creation of the Global Read Aloud. I have wanted to share the news for a while officially on this blog but it feels terribly odd to tout your own accomplishments. But I am proud, it is hard work, and yet, this isn’t really about me. This recognition is about all of us. All of the people that make the Global Read Aloud what it is. It is about all of the kids that believe they can make the world better by taking action and reaching out. It is about all of the teachers that take the leap of faith every year and sign up, not quite knowing what to expect, and still making it their own. It is about all of the authors that write such incredible stories that have to be shared with others. It is about all of you, I just get to represent us all , and for that I am so very grateful.
So if you happen to be at ISTE this summer, and you happen to be around Monday morning, there is some form of breakfast, a recognition of some sort. And while I haven’t gotten many details, I would like to invite all of you to come celebrate this award with me somehow. If you can meet up with me, please come tell me your story. Find me and please celebrate with me.
This award may have my name on it, but that is only because there isn’t enough room for all of yours. Thank you so much for spending your time with the Global Read Aloud. Thank you so much for believing in me.
I am a passionate teacher in Oregon, Wisconsin, USA but originally from Denmark, who has taught 4th, 5th, and 7th grade. Proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. The second edition of my first book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” will be published by Routledge in the fall. Second book“Empowered Schools, Empowered Students – Creating Connected and Invested Learners” is out now from Corwin Press. Join our Passionate Learners community on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.
The Global Read Aloud 