Today I had the opportunity to hear Pernille Ripp, a Wisconsin 7th grade teacher, who started The Global Read Aloud in 2010. Check her blog: Blogging Through the Fourth Dimension to learn more about her passion for students, learning and literacy. The session, Creating a Passionate Literacy Classroom, was organized by the Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium.
It was inspiring to hear Pernille speak and while I have lots to share and think about, for now, I want to identify some of the resource gems she provided in her presentation.
The Human Digital Library: The website states: ‘The Digital Human Library (dHL) is a nonprofit organization that connects Canadian teachers and students with hundreds of organizations and experts around the world who are delivering interactive curriculum-based opportunities for learning using technology – for free.’ I like this, for free. Take note, dHL is spotlighting A Kid’s Guide to Canada ‘a national teacher-led initiative organized by elementary teachers from across the country.’ I’ve registered on this site and now I’m thinking about the ways my students will be involved. If you are planning a project contact me, maybe we can share ideas.
Pernille spoke about the value of global projects as a way to create connections and promote empathy. Here is a link to a Padlet (online bulletin board) with a variety of global projects. Take a look, in what way might your students get involved? Padlet.com/P10/globalprojects.
As a book lover I was curious to hear about her favourite books. Pernille shared a number of picture books, middle school books, and young adult books. Of course like all readers, she explained that her book lists are ever evolving, as you will see if you check her blog. Each book she described had appeal. Here is a sample of a few that I appreciated because of the connections to history and social issues.
Picture Books:
When We Were Alone – David Alexander Robertson, an author from Manitoba, The story of a mother and her grandmother. Sharing the memories of the native boarding school.
This House Once by Deborah Freedman out next week – different pieces of the house as the house is built is shows where all the parts came from.
Stepping Stones – A Refugee Family’s Story by Margriet Ruurs and Nizar Badr Canadian Author in English and Arabic.
She challenged all of us: How would you describe your reading/writing identity as a teacher? Who are you as an adult reader? As an adult writer? And… Who are the literate role models for our students?
This was a keen reminder to me. While I occasionally share my own experiences as a writer with students, her questions prompted me to try write more often, and to be that role model of writing that kids need to see. And as for reading? I am an avid reader and so I loved her advice, the best planning for instruction that a teacher can do, is read.
Explore Learn Share 