Tip 6: Read a book to your students with the help of technology

This is a great way to continue to engage students in learning and spread some cheer. You can do a live read-aloud with Facebook Live or Instagram Live (open to the public), or by using a conferencing tool like Zoom (private — only those with an access link can join). You can also record your read-through before-hand and upload it so students can watch at any time.

Whatever option you decide, make sure to either publicize the live reading or send out the recorded video link via your school communication platform and/or social media. (Psssst...if you are a ParentSquare user, learn how you can automatically share your ParentSquare post on your social channels here. If you would like to enable social share for your school or district, here are some instructions.) 

For middle and high school students, encourage “book clubs” where students can work on reading a novel and meet regularly (online) to discuss it. Curate a book recommendation list, or ask students what books they have chosen to read and curate a list based on that, so students can see what their peers are reading. Perhaps they can maintain a reading log too.

Principal George at Sandy Grade School posted two great read-aloud videos. Check out her reading of “The Pout-Pout Fish” here or click the screenshot below.

Her tone is very engaging — especially when she takes on a different voice for the pout-pout fish! She also shows the full image to screen after she reads each page, so the artwork is clearly visible. Sometimes she will make side comments (especially common in her reading of There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow), which is another great way to keep the read-aloud engaging and add a personal touch.

At the end of the video, she wraps it up nicely (6:14) by encouraging kids to find the positives in their day, show their parents love & appreciation and continue reading — whether it be other books in the house or via the library online. 

We particularly love her message sent home with her second read-aloud.

It’s short and sweet, but sends good wishes to students and their families and lets them know she misses them, which is especially great for young kids. (One of the kiddos responded on her parent’s account saying she missed Principal George.)

Although this message was sent via ParentSquare, you can send a message like this via any school communication platform (or email). 

K-12 Remote Tips

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We’d love to know what you are doing — what great examples or ideas would you like to share with other schools? Simply comment below or submit your tip via our web form.