Word Read Aloud Day (WRAD) is typically celebrated toward the end of January and the beginning of February. As the librarian, I’m usually the one put in charge to coordinate the day’s events.  In the past, we have celebrated by pairing older students with younger grades to read aloud to each other as part of their library visit. It is always great fun to see the bigs read to the littles!  In addition, we invited guest readers (admin, parents/community members, High School football players, etc.) to come share their favorite books for World Read Aloud Day! 

I also created a series of posters for teachers to display in or out of their classroom with the purpose of sharing their own personal reading.  My hope is that it sparks conversations between teachers and students, teachers and teachers, and ultimately students and students.  You can read all about that here.

Choice Boards

We all know that scheduling events like this take a lot of time and coordination with classroom teachers.  So, this past WRAD, I decided to simplify the event. (I am learning that simple is ok and can have fantastic results!)  First, I created a choice board with activities and links to the World Read Aloud Day Resources.  Each year, all I have to do is update the choice board with new books for the students to enjoy! Teachers can do it whole group or assign it to students to complete individually.  Easy peasy!

Click here to see this year’s Choice Board.

If you’d like to create your own Choice Board for World Read Aloud Day, click here to download an editable copy.

Presents for Classrooms

To go along with the “gift” of reading idea, I also chose one book per class from our library collection, and wrapped it like a gift.  (I used the rolls of bulletin board paper in our workroom.)  Each book was customized with the teacher’s name and tied with a fun bow..it is a gift after all!   I wrapped up brand new books we just received, as well as those tried and true great read-alouds.   

To help keep track of the books I use each year, I created a spreadsheet.  Now all I have to do is either rotate books to new teachers within the grade level, and/or switch out books for newer ones I have purchased.  Again, easy peasy!  

If you’d like a copy of the this spreadsheet, click here.   The first tab on the bottom shows you the books I used last year and this year.  The second tab is blank and ready for you to begin adding in your own books.

How do you celebrate World Read Aloud Day with your students?  I’d love to hear your ideas!