Global Read Aloud

I love the idea behind the GRA. I think it's such an amazing way to get kids to connect with other students and it's the easiest project for teachers to start connecting their students with other classrooms. I was a tad nervous this year because the book that we're reading, Marty Maguire, is a little bit on the lower side. But, I've noticed so many amazing things just from reading this book.

First, since it's a lower level book I've been able to real talk about character traits and plot and main idea instead of just talking about the events of the book and rushing through the chapters to stay on track. Also, we've been able to take time and read chapters over again to work on fluency and voice inflection. We've also been working on reactions, like if something is funny you laugh at it. It has allowed us to slow down and really look at what we're reading, do some of the acting activities they've done in the book and get into the book. My kids love when it's time to read because they get to read it aloud and Marty tends to be a little silly.

We've also been able to connect with a school in Canada, we've lead discussion questions about the chapter, predictions of what will happen next, favorite parts and character analysis. We've connected through Skype and through our blogs.

I think this has been a great introduction into chapter books and a larger read aloud. I'm excited to move onto a new book that is a bit higher level and continue to watch my students grow into lovers of books and reading!