Lower School Participates in Global Read Aloud (GRA) For the Sixth Year

For the sixth year, Lower School participated this fall in The Global Read Aloud (GRA), an annual six-week experience known as “One Book to Connect the World.” The goal is simple: for millions of students across the globe to hear the same books read Aloud.

A Wisconsin-based teacher, Pernille Ripp, began GRA with the hope that through a shared read aloud “we could create pathways around the world, expanding our knowledge but shrinking our otherization, growing our curiosity, and diminishing hate.” The worldwide project started with 150 participants in 2010, and since then the project has reached 4,000,000+ students from more than 86 different countries!

This year, we read and celebrated the following books and creators:

- Christian Robinson’s picture books (“You Matter,” “Another,” “Milo Imagines the World,” “The Smallest World in the Smallest Grade,” “Last Stop on Market Street,” and “Harlem's Little Blackbird”)

- “In the Meantime” by Jason Reynolds, Illustrated by Raúl the Third

- “Thirst” by Varsha Bajaj

We are thrilled about this year’s GRA book choices. The stories send powerful messages about using our personal strength and the collective strength of those who surround us to provide hope, confidence, and security in the face of adversity.

In the Lower School, the project began in October and ran for six weeks. Classes and specialists gathered together in cross-grade groups to enjoy a special read-aloud experience. Not only did the project bring us together as a Lower School, but we had the chance to connect with other students around the globe through a postcard exchange and Padlet discussions. These connection opportunities allowed students to use technology tools in a meaningful way, as well as learn about other cultures, all while listening to a fantastic read aloud.

Teachers and students can't wait to find out next year's selections and speak with more classes across the world!

For more info, please visit: https://theglobalreadaloud.com/

#wearekewforest #lowerschool #globalreadaloud #gojaguars