Norah Colvin

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First week of February celebrations – Readilearn

World Read Aloud Day, Children's Mental Health Week, Chinese New Year

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In the first week of February, celebrations include World Read Aloud Day, Childrenā€™s Mental Health Week and Chinese New Year.

Readilearn has lessons ready to assist you with each of these celebrations.

World Read Aloud Day

First up is World Read Aloud DayĀ on 1 Februaryā€”today! The day aims toĀ encourage people everywhere to “read aloud together and share stories to advocate for literacy as a human right that belongs to all people“.

Perhaps no one knows better than teachers of young children the importance of reading aloud. Children who come to school having been read to at home have the advantage of more extensive vocabularies and proficiency with language, greater general knowledge and interest in the world around them, and an interest in books and learning. These advantages contribute to success in school and life.

Making time for reading aloud in a busy class program is a priority for teachers of children in their first three years of school. Opportunities occur in every subject area, and it is not difficult to find ways of working a few extra stories into the program. Why not use World Read Aloud Day as an excuse to read a few more books than usual (as if an excuse is needed).

If you are unsure where to start selecting, visit the library and ask the librarian for suggestions, or take the class with you and ask them to each choose a book theyā€™d like to hear.

The guest post by teacherĀ Jennie FitzkeeĀ on the importance of reading aloud is also full of suggestions.

Five of my favourite picture books (of which there are hundreds so impossible to list) are:

Continue reading: First week of February celebrations – Readilearn

Comments

13 responses to “First week of February celebrations – Readilearn”

  1. Jules Avatar
    Jules

    When the grands visit they still like Grama to read aloud. And they are sharp little minds.
    I have several versions of The Wizard of Oz. Little Miss really enjoys the Disney movie. I’ve pointed out some differences in the book and movie. Like in the movie Dorothy’s shoes are Red for the big screen, but in the book they are silver.

    Just last week we were reading one of the shorter versions and Little Miss noticed another difference. In the movie Glenda is the Good Witch of the North, but in the book… Glenda is actually from the South! I wonder why Disney changed up that bit. Maybe because sometimes in the US the North is favored as being more educated? Anyway… there you go two trivia questions for your next party… (or not): In the original writing by Frank L. Baum 1) What color are Dorothy’s shoes in Oz and 2) What compass direction is associated with Glenda the Good Witch. Who knows maybe Little Miss will help me discover other discrepancies because we read together?

    Of course most when most books are adapted for film there will be differences. Maybe that would be a good project for older grades. Read a book, then watch the movie and ‘spot the differences?’

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      Of course the grands love being read to by Grama. How lucky they are! And the discrepancies you point out and questions you ask are wonderful. You will encourage the same of them, and so a love of reading and learning is passed from generation to generation. Perfect!
      I think your ‘spot the difference’ project is a good one, particularly if they surmise or research why the changes were made. It might help them become more discerning readers and thinkers.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jules Avatar
        Jules

        Little Miss is only 5 and she spotted that Oz difference about the north and south. Imagine what an older student with some research could discover?

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Norah Avatar
          Norah

          Little Miss is very perceptive. šŸ™‚

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  2. Patricia Tilton Avatar
    Patricia Tilton

    And, Black History month in the U.S. Great resources for teachers.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      Wow! What a busy month. Thanks, Patricia.

      Like

      Reply
  3. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    Thank you for celebrating Read-Aloud Day. Iā€™m honored to be included!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      You’re another champion of reading aloud. It was my pleasure to include you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        And mine to be there. šŸ™‚

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  4. Anne Goodwin (Annecdotist) Avatar
    Anne Goodwin (Annecdotist)

    It’s also LGBT history month : )

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      The days are filling up!

      Like

      Reply
  5. Jacqui Murray Avatar
    Jacqui Murray

    Then there’s Groundhog Day, 100th Day of School, Valentines–what a month!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      What a month indeed! I loved your post about reading aloud. I would have loved to share it on my blog (it did score a mention) so if you’d like to share it with me sometime, I’m happy to find a spot for it. šŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

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