On February 2, Clarke students, staff, authors and illustrators participated in a global literacy movement known as World Read Aloud Day (WRAD).
The awareness day calls attention to the importance of sharing stories by challenging participants to grab a book, find an audience and read aloud. According to founding organization LitWorld, World Read Aloud Day has evolved into a global movement of millions of readers, writers and listeners from communities across the world coming together to honor the joy and power of reading and sharing stories, and continue expanding the definition and scope of global literacy.
Looking to participate at home as a family? Find Clarke Book Club recommendations here.
Learn how Clarke classrooms celebrated reading aloud:
Clarke Northampton
Students from preschool through sixth grade at Clarke Northampton met and worked with local illustrator Jane Dyer. Jane read with younger students and instructed older students on illustration techniques.
“Reading, writing, drawing and storytelling are embedded in our curriculum for students of all ages,” explained Claire Troiano, MED, OTC, director of mainstream services and educational administrator of K-8 Program at Clarke Northampton. “The skills themselves are foundational for students, and these activities can also provide positive outlets that support social-emotional growth. We’re delighted Jane lent her expertise and helped us bring these activities to life for students.”
Dyer has illustrated more than 50 books for children, including the New York Times bestsellers “Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons” by Amy Kraus Rosenthal, “Time for Bed” by Mem Fox, “I Love You Like Crazy Cakes” by Rose A. Lewis and “Talking Like the Rain: A Read-To-Me Book of Poems.”
Clarke Florida
Author Demia Doggette virtually read her book “The Chronicles of a Girl Named Noa: My Glorious Skin” to Clarke Florida students. The children’s book celebrates the beautiful mosaic of skin colors found around the world. Clarke Florida students received a copy of the book to take home.
Thomas, a Clarke preschooler, shared with Demina that he too wants to be an author and enjoys writing and reading!
Clarke Boston
Students listened attentively as Ms. Jackie, a regular Clarke guest reader and resident at the nearby Orchard Cove senior living community, read “Do Kangaroos Wear Seatbelts?” by Jane Kurtz. Current Clarke students and alums also read aloud from a selection of books including:
- “Hang On, Monkey!” by Susan B. Neuman
- “Looking for Orson” by Charlot Wilson and illustrated by Meredith Johnson
- “The Bike Ride” by Susan Ring and illustrated by Kathi Ember
- “What Am I?” By Elenor Janeway and illustrated by Neecy Twinem
Clare Gill, a Clarke teacher of the deaf, reminded students about the importance of reading aloud. “It’s really important for you to read every day!” encouraged Clare, “Ask your family to read to you.” One Clarke student reminded his classmates that “reading makes you smarter!”
Students also read “Be You” by Peter H. Reynolds after copies of the book were generously gifted by The Blue Bunny bookstore in honor of World Read Aloud Day.
