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.
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.
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!
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.
The Global Read Aloud 