Every fall, thousands of students participate in the Global Read Aloud. This project was created by teacher Pernille Ripp with the goal of using books to connect kids around the globe. Over a six-week period, teachers and librarians read aloud and encourage students to share their thoughts with other children who are reading the same books.
Over the past two months in the library, first and second graders have participated by focusing on books from Canadian author and illustrator, Julie Flett. To kick off Global Read Aloud this year, we started with Wild Berries and a presentation about Julie Flett's background. During the next library session, students listened to My Heart Fills with Happiness and explained what makes them happy in a Flipgrid video. We also read When We Were Alone and used Padlet to share aspects of our identities that make us special. Check out students' awesome ideas on the Flipgrid (password GRAJFMGS) and Padlet to the right! Second grade enjoyed their bonus book, A Day with Yayah, which taught them about native Canadian plants. After that, we looked at a Google presentation of edible plants found in Austin and near other schools around the country. We wrapped up Global Read Aloud by writing letters to send to other schools. Each second grade class composed a letter telling about Austin and sharing their class's favorite Julie Flett book. After that, first grade students designed illustrations of their favorite Julie Flett book to accompany the letters. | Flipgrid: My Heart Fills with HappinessPadlet: When We Were AloneEdible Plants Google Presentation |
This week, students had an opportunity to read some of the letters we've received back. We've gotten letters from all over the globe, including Canada, Argentina, and Thailand! It's been a fun experience for all and has left us feeling a little more connected to other kids around the world.