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.

#GRA14 What To Read – Week by Week Breakdown

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Here is the plan for what to read and when.  While it is not a big deal if you get behind, please do not read ahead and then share spoilers.  It really hurts the experience for the students.  
Peter H. Reynolds!
To make the collaboration easier for everyone, for the author study we recommend reading these books:
Week 1: The North Star
Week 2: I’m Here
Week 3: Ish
Week 4: Sky Color
Week 5: Going Places
Week 6: Your Choice!
Yes, I know that the incredible book “The Dot” is not on this list. That’s because International Dot Day is September 15th so some of you may have already read and used it by the time we start October 6th. But, the final week of the Global Read Aloud is always a free choice so feel free to use it then if you would like.

Book Choices:

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Why this book:  This new classic has been nominated every year as a wonderfully engaging story that reads aloud beautifully. 
Breakdown for the 6 weeks:
Week 1:  Chapters 1 – 4
Week 2:  Chapters 5 – 9
Week 3:  Chapters 10 -14
Week 4:  Chapters 15 -19
Week 5:  Chapters 20 – 24
Week 6:  25 – coda


The Fourteenth Goldfish
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
Why this book?  I am one of the lucky ones that have read an advanced copy of this book, and besides being immediately sucked into it, I think it will be a wonderful read aloud.  The story is whimsical, thought provoking and can definitely lead to bigger connections being made.  
Breakdown for the 6 weeks:
Week 1:  Chapters 1 – 5
Week 2:  Chapters 6 – 10
Week 3:  Chapters 11 – 15
Week 4:  Chapters 16 – 20
Week 5:  Chapters 21  – 25
Week 6: Chapters 26 – end

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One for the Murphy’s by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Why this book:  Anyone who has read the book will know why.  This incredibly touching story that carries heavy themes is a story about transformation, love of the deepest kind, and survival of the spirit. 
Breakdown for the 6 weeks:
Week 1: Chapter 1 – 8
Week 2: Chapter 9 – 17
Week 3: Chapter 18 – 25
Week 4: Chapter 26 – 33
Week 5: Chapter 34 – 42
Week 6: Chapter 43 – end


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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Why this book?  This book was first runner up last year and came back strong this year.  This incredible story of one girl’s courageous battle and, yes, transformation, is one that will resonate globally. 
Weekly Breakdown:
Week 1:  Chapters 1 – 4
Week 2:  Chapters 5 – 8
Week 3:  Chapters 9 – 12
Week 4:  Chapters 13 – 16
Week 5:  Chapters 17 – 20
Week 6:  Chapters 21 – end

A big change for this year’s project is the removal of grade levels.  Instead, just pick the  book you think will best suit your class and your goals.   All of the books chosen share the themes of transformation and love, something I think all students can relate to.

An Exciting Tool to Use to Connect with #GRA14

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Every year as the Global Read Aloud grows, new exciting ways to connect present themselves.  And while I always encourage people to connect in whichever way that works for them, sometimes a new way emerges that deserves a highlight.  This is one of those times.  


I first heard of Tackk, last year as a few people shared what they had created during the GRA.  And I was impressed, after all, a lot of time had definitely been put into it and it must have been hard to do.  So I didn’t investigate any further, I simply moved on, thinking this tool would not work for my students and the precious time we have.  I should have dug a little deeper.  
Tackk is an easy, free way to create simple pages on the web. Teachers use Tackk everyday for lessons, projects and creativity in the classroom. Tackk’s content widgets (text, photos, GIFs, video, music, maps, media, etc.) allow for simple and fun creation which can be shared on social channels like Edmodo, Twitter and Google+.


To help support GRA14, Tackk has created GRA templates to make creation, sharing and collaboration easy for students, teachers and classrooms. Teachers can use Tackk to create and share GRA lessons, assign student book reviews and assessments, capture photos and video during the program and interact along the way.


Get more Tackk ideas and follow GRA’s Tackk profile here: https://tackk.com/@globalreadaloud.
Find out more about Tackk here: https://tackk.com/gratemplates


Again, the Global Read Aloud does not tell you which tools to use, but I do like to share good ones.  I am excited to use Tackk with my 7th graders to further our global connections.

Support the Global Read Aloud – Limited Edition T-Shirt On Sale Now #GRA14

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Are you a part of the Global Read Aloud and proud of it?  Now is your chance to snag a limited edition t-shirt specifically made to support the project.  There are only 150 shirts for sale and they are only available until July 17th.

Why should you consider buying a shirt?  Because it is a great way to show the world your GRA pride, but also because all proceeds will be used for buying books.  I, Pernille, always end up buying books for places that cannot get them and my husband has been not so happy about it.  After all, the GRA does not bring in any kind of revenue ever.  So here is your chance to support the project, get a super awesome tee, and help me stay out of trouble with Brandon.
The only catch is that we have to sell at least 50 of these for them even to be made.    
Front
Back
To purchase your shirt or just take a look at them, please go here.

The Share a Book Initiative – New for 2014 #GRA14

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image from etsy
I don’t think there is much that beats receiving an unexpected package .  After all, the possibility of what could be inside is tantalizing in itself.  Yet, when an unexpected package brings a new book into my hands…pure bliss.  Every year of the Global Read Aloud, people have wondered what they could to to push the connections they make further.  Usually, I stay our of their way and have shied away from doing anything official.  But this year, our 5th Global Read Aloud year, I am ready to take the plunge…

Introducing:  The Share a Book Initiative!  
Once again, it is a very simple ideas, inspired by an unexpected book arrival from Uganda.  All I am hoping (because you do not have to do this) is that once you you start to connect with your chosen school (s), you will send them a book (chapter or picture) that reflects your region, city, state, country, whatever area you choose, or somehow has a connection with where you are.  This way, your students will have to think about which book to send, and the receiving students get  a slice of what life is like where you live.  (You can even send one to me if you feel like it). 
You do not have to do this.  Not everyone can or will.  But if you do, I promise it will add another layer to your connections and global understanding.  And why not spread more great books among us?  After all, books are some of the most powerful connection bringers we have, why not use them for good?

I am a passionate (female) 7th grade teacher in Wisconsin, USA, 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. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day.  First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press.   Second book “Empowered Schools, Empowered Students – Creating Connected and Invested Learners” can be pre-ordered from Corwin Press now.  Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

Information for Global Read Aloud 2014

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The Global Read Aloud 2014 may be several months away but here at GRA headquarters, which is really just in my head, the wheels are spinning.  Here is some key information for 2014.

Where do I sign up?
Right here

Who is the author study?
The amazing and incredible Peter H. Reynolds is our focus this year.  Here are the books chosen 
Week 1:  The North Star
Week 2:  I’m Here
Week 3:  Ish
Week 4:  Sky Color
Week 5:  Going Places
Week 6:  Your choice!!!
What are the book choices?
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
One for the Murphy’s by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
What are the dates?
October 6th through November 14th
Which book should I read with my class?
New this year is the removal of grade levels.  Please read the book that you think will garner the best connections, investments, and discussions in your classroom.  Your know your group best!
Are the authors involved?
Yes, most of them!  I have been in touch with 3 of the 5 and will release details as soon as they are settled.  Some are more involved than others depending on how busy they are.
How do I get connected?
A great place to start are the Edmodo groups that have already been set up.  These are for teachers only, no students, and are meant to be a place to find people to connect with, to ask questions, and to share ideas.  The discussions have already started but will continue throughout the summer.
Peter H. Reynolds Author Study Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/4fpgfb
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/hiessv
The Fourteenth Goldfish Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/jcmw82
One For the Murphy’s Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/9d3fh9
The Fault in Our Stars Teacher Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/y9fhkx
Mass Facilitator Group – if you are the main contact for a group of teachers in your school or district, this is a great group to join. https://edmo.do/j/mtk6pu

You can also use the hashtag #GRA14 or go to our wiki or Facebook page

Which tools should I use?
Whatever you want!  There are no required tech tools you have to use to connect, but some helpful ones are:

  • Twitter – use the hashtag #GRA14 to stay informed and involved.
  • Edmodo – great way to get connected with other teachers and to create sub groups for students
  • Skype or Google Hangout – this is how you can connect “face to face” with other classrooms
  • Our wiki – you can use this to showcase students work, just ask to join
  • Kidblog or other blogging platform – great way for students to write and start a dialogue about the books 
  • Tackk – fantastic and easy way to publish content on the web for others to interact with – check out the templates that have already been made for teachers
What’s the “Share a Book” initiative?
This year, to really bring in the global connections, I hope you will send a book representative of your area to the class (es) you connect with.  I also hope you will mail one to me if you feel like it.  The idea for this extension came from receiving a picture book from Uganda and the impact it had on my school.   
What does this cost?
Nothing, except for the book cost, which you get yourself.  I don’t make any money off of this and there is no cost to be a part of it.  
  
Is this truly global?
Yes!  With more than 200,000 connections made in the past 4 years, GRA is used in over 30 countries on 6 continents, with even more signed up this year.  
Will there be merchandise?
There has been in the past, so probably yes, but I find it to be rather expensive for people to buy which is upsetting to me.  So if you have any ideas of how to make merchandise cheaper and get it to people, please contact me!
I have no clue what to do!
Please read this article by Matt Renwick, which may help you get ideas.  Or contact me p (at) globalreadaloud (dot) com
Who is behind this?
Mass consumer of incredible books, Pernille Ripp, helps students discover their superpower as a former 5th grade teacher, but now 7th grade teacher in Oregon, Wisconsin.  She loves children so much she decided to have 4 of her own with her soulmate Brandon, who keeps her laughing.   Her first book was published this May by Powerful Learning Press entitled “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classroom Back to Our Students.” Her work has been featured by Edutopia, School Library Journal, MiddleWeb, Learning & Leading magazine, as well as in many podcasts and interviews.  She teaches others how to give the classroom back to students through webinars, as well as to anyone who walks into her classroom.  

Why the Global Read Aloud Matters #GRA14

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Wednesday started out as a normal day at school.  I walked into the office to check my mailbox when our amazing secretary handed me a mystery package.  I immediately looked at the mailing label and was astounded when I saw this.
photo 1 (6)
Immediately curios, I ripped open the package and was surprised when I saw this
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The package came from Cathy Kreutter, the librarian at the International School of Uganda, and she was reaching out to me continue the global connectedness started by the Global Read Aloud.   Not only was I shocked, but I was also over the moon excited, because the other thing in the package was this…
photo 3 (5)
A book, written by Cathy, based on the American Folk Tale “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” meant to tell readers more about Uganda.  I couldn’t wait to read it to my students!  And what happened next was pure magic.
Not only did I read it my students, who couldn’t believe the things they were learning.  They also wanted to find out more about Uganda and had many questions.  Next, I took the book to our 1st grade buddies and shared it with them.  More questions and learning about Uganda happened.  Then I swung by one of our kindergarten classrooms and shared it with them, with the same result.  Within the span of an hour, 3 classes had learned and become curious about Uganda and Africa as a whole.  All through the power of a book mailed to us because of the Global Read Aloud.
Yet, the power of this book has not ended.  Our incredible librarian plans to share it next week with her classes and so we will see the seeds of curiosity planted in more kids.  More kids will find Uganda ion the globe and know a little about this faraway nation where the Nile starts and lions roar.  More kids will wonder about the world and what another child’s every day life is like.  All through the power of a shared read aloud.
So this year, for the Global Read Aloud, I will encourage people who connect to send a picture book to their partners.  A book that shares a little about them, that will deepen the connection between our homes.  I will secretly hope that some will send one to me as well so my students can see just what this project has started.
Thank you Cathy for reaching out to me.  That small gesture has started a wave of curiosity at our small school.
I am a passionate (female) 5th grade teacher in Wisconsin, USA, 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. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day.  First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press.   Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

Peter H. Reynolds Books Chosen #GRA14

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To make the collaboration easier for everyone, for the author study we recommend reading these books:
Week 1:  The North Star
Week 2:  I’m Here
Week 3:  Ish
Week 4: Sky Color
Week 5:  Going Places
Week 6:  Your Choice!

Yes, I know that the incredible book “The Dot” is not on this list.  That’s because International Dot Day is September 15th so some of you may have already read and used it by the time we start October 6th.  But, the final week of the Global Read Aloud is always a free choice so feel free to use it then if you would like.