By Brenda Maurao, Assistant Principal at Miller Elementary School
This fall, Miller students and staff had the opportunity to participate in a global program that brings students around the globe together to discuss a common book. During a six week period, from October 3 through November 11, classroom teachers read aloud to students and engaged in discussions through a variety of online platforms about a common book.
Teachers selected between two books to read to students during the Global Read Aloud: Pax by Sara Pennypacker or The BFG by Roald Dahl.
The idea of the Global Read Aloud is for students to make connections with people around the world based on the shared love of reading. During and after reading the book together in class, students engaged in online discussions with other students using a platform such as Edmodo, Google Hangouts, Twitter or Skype. Pinterest and Facebook were great resources for teachers, too. Each teacher participated at a pace and format that meshed with regular classroom activities.
Fifth graders who read Pax ended the Global Read Aloud with a SKYPE presentation and question/answer session (highlighted in the tweet below)!
Informal discussions have begun as Miller teachers begin reflecting on this year’s experience with the Global Read Aloud. We look forward to submitting possible book titles for next year, along with having school-wide discussions to plan the event next year. Here are the reflections of fifth grade teachers Ashley DeRoy and Sara Peters: Video Interview with Ashley DeRoy and Sara Peters
For more information on The Global Read Aloud, please click on the presentation below!
