Read Aloud and Respond with Art!
March 5th, 2014 is World Read Aloud Day! Every year, on the first Wednesday in March, Litworld (a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy around the globe) mobilizes children and adults everywhere to advocate for literacy as a basic human right belonging to all people. Reading aloud is a natural way to celebrate the written word and to share it with others!
Why not combine literacy with art by reading an inspiring story and giving your students the opportunity to respond through their artwork?
So many children’s books are ideal for a “read aloud and respond with art” activity. A few of my favorites are “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds, “Only One You” by Linda Kranz, “Beautiful Oops” by Barney Saltzberg, and “Mouse Paint” by Ellen Stoll Walsh. But my all-time favorite read aloud art story for kids is “Ish” by Peter Reynolds.
I seriously never tire of this story! You can read more about “thinking Ish-ly” and find one of my lessons based on “Ish” here. This classic story belongs in everyone’s book collection. And if you want to go all out for World Read Aloud Day, author Peter Reynolds offers an interactive version of “Ish” here, perfect for sharing aloud in the classroom on your computer or interactive whiteboard. It even includes a Virtual Author Visit from Peter Reynolds himself!
Join the global literacy movement with World Read Aloud Day and register your participation here!
Brittany, check out my “Books I LOVE” widget on the sidebar to the right to see more books I recommend for teaching art to kids. I’m always adding more as I discover new ones, too!