Ask Lynda Mullaly Hunt #GRA14

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On Friday, November 14th, at 10:45 AM CST, the amazing Lynda Mullaly Hunt and I will do a livestream Q&A via YouTube.  For 30 minutes Lynda will answer as many questions for all of those who have loved reading aloud One For the Murphy’s for this year’s Global Read Aloud.  And fear not, if you cannot join the livestream, this Q&;A will be recorded for you to watch!

Here is the link to view the event:  Click here 

Submit your questions on this form or use the hashtag #GRAMurphys this Friday as we wrap p this amazing book.

Jenni Holm Reads Aloud the Final Chapter and Takes Your Questions #GRA14 #GRAGoldfish

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As promised, Jenni Holm, filmed herself reading the final chapter of The Fourteenth Goldfish.  To view, please head over to her blog.

Also, there will be a final Google Hangout on November 17th at 10:45 AM CST where Jenni will answer some of your questions.  Please submit them below!

Here is the link to view the event – click here  – it will also be recorded for later viewing!  Hand in your questions or tweet them to me during it using the hashtag #GRAGoldfish

Become a Sponsor for the Global Read Aloud #GRA14

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What is the Global Read Aloud?
The GRA is a global literacy initiative that started in 2010.  The premise is simple; facilitators read a pre-selected book aloud to their students during a set 6 week period in early October every year and then use whatever technology they have at hand to connect their students with other students.
Why are sponsors needed?
The project is growing so large that the website is no longer functional as a way to engage/inform all members.  A better website is therefore needed, as well as trademarking of the name and logo.  Also, the work put into the project is extensive so funding to cover an hourly rate to do that work is needed.  

Who is involved?
Students from Kindergarten through College from more than 60 different countries, on 6 different continents are currently participating between October 6th and November 14th. This is a yearly event.
How many are involved?
The first year, 2010, 600 students connected.  This year more than 308,000 students are connecting as we speak.
What does it cost?
Nothing, this project has always been free for any participant to be a part of and I do not make any money from doing it.
What tools are used?
Any technology that facilitators have access to can be used.  The more popular ways of connecting are Kidblog, Skype, Google Hangouts, Twitter, Tackk, Padlet, Wikispaces, as well as Edmodo.
What do sponsors get?
They will be linked with this international project through the website, as well as any presentations, both live and online when suited.  The participants involved are very passionate and share the GRA with others around the world, writing grants, presenting, as well as doing spin-off projects highlighting the tools they have used, thus further ties are established between the sponsors and the project.  Sponsors can also be promoted as tools to use during the project.  Publishers can benefit if their books are selected as the official selection of the year.  
What does the project need?
Funding to cover trademark, web-site creation, plus coverage of hourly rate for work to further expand and run the project.  Currently I spend about 20 hours a week running the project.
Where do I get further information?
To read more about the project, please visit our FAQ here.
To see what participants are doing around the world tune into Twitter using the hashtag #GRA14 or visit the Wikispaces here.
Please contact me, Pernille Ripp, if this opportunity is something you would like to further discuss.   I can be contacted via email p@globalreadaloud.com  

Add Your Location to the Map (And Your Activities!) #GRA14

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I apologize for the lateness of this this year, but the map is finally ready.  I even tried to post an earlier map and that failed, so please add your location or link to your classroom on our official Google Map for the year.

To add yourself to the map, click the link and then add your address in the bar and click return, it should then come up with the marker – click on that marker and say save to map.  

Link to map:  Click here

The 1 Month Countdown Has Begun for #GRA14

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The countdown has begun, this year’s Global Read Aloud will start October 6th where you should start reading aloud!  The project wraps up November 14th.

For a week by week breakdown or which Peter H. Reynolds books to read when, please click here http://ow.ly/ANIkJ 

If you are still looking for a connection, you can fill out this spreadsheet or find someone to connect with http://ow.ly/ANIoF 

You can share ideas, find people to connect with, and ask questions in the Edmodo Groups  http://ow.ly/zDEbN 
On Sunday, September 21st, I will join #4thchat on Twitter at 7 PM CST to discuss all things GRA.  And the following Sunday, September 28th we will have our very own twitter chat using our hashtag #GRA14 at 8 PM CST.  This chat will be an easy way for you to ask any questions or share ideas as we get ready.   

As of this morning more than 4,100 facilitators in more than 30 different countries are participating, which translates roughly to 244,000 students.  That’s 100,000 more than last year – wow, wow, wow.  We have students from K through college doing it!

If you want to support the project and show your participation, please consider buying merchandise  http://www.cafepress.com/globalreadaloud  I have the tote bag and have been impressed with the durability.
Also, did you know Peter H. Reynolds has a bookstore called The Blue Bunny.  You can order signed books from them and he said to mention you are a GRA14 friend if you do order. http://www.bluebunnybooks.com/
And finally, thank you.  This project started as an idea in 2010 with 600 students the first year reading around the world.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed that so many incredible people would support it, love it, and be a part of it.  If you are ever in my neighborhood, whether it be Oregon Middle School where I teach or around Madison, let me know.  
Please let me know if you have any questions!

Contest Closed – Happy Birthday The Fourteenth Goldfish – Win a Copy!

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It is not every day you get an email from one of your favorite authors asking you if you want to give away a copy of her new book.  In fact, I don’t think it has ever happened to me before.  But Jenni Holm, author of the GRA selected book The Fourteenth Goldfish did just that since not only is she super excited about the release of the book (we have been counting down the days), but also being a Global Read Aloud author!  

She writes, 
“I’m so touched that THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH” was chosen as a read-aloud. Part of the reason I am a writer today was because my second grade teacher read aloud to my class. To this day, when I think of THE BOXCAR CHILDREN, I think of my teacher. She sparked a lifetime love of reading in me–and a lot of other children. Reading aloud makes a difference.”

But here is the best part, she is not just giving away one copy, not even two.  She is letting me give away 15 hardcover copies and 5 audio books!  Wow!  Do indicate whether you would prefer one or the other in your entry, but know that it is not guaranteed.  The winners will be drawn randomly.

So what do you need to do to enter?  Leave a comment, with your email or other way of getting a hold of you, telling us why you joined the Global Read Aloud.  I am telling you, you will love this book for the discussions it will create and the connections you will make.  The contest ends Friday night, the 29th at 9 PM CST.

So for now happy reading and happy book birthday to you!

This contest is now closed, winners will be notified soon.