Read Across the Planet 2019
Celebrate National Reading Month Around the World!
2019 READ ACROSS THE PLANET* Registration NOW OPEN!
Read Across the Planet is a celebration of reading. Classrooms use interactive video to connect with other classrooms “around the planet” and read to each other. The activity is sponsored by TWICE.
(Disclaimer: While we are using this name to be inclusive to our international friends, this name does NOT guarantee U.S. schools an international connection. They will be matched randomly as usual in this project.)
This activity is open to all K-12 students (ages 5-18) in public and private schools who have access to two-way interactive video equipment. Participating in this event is FREE!
Participate in English or special sections for Spanish, ESL or Special Ed. Classes in Spanish, ESL or Special Ed will receive a match with the same section, BUT MAY NOT be the same grade level.
Your class will be matched with a class from a different location and each class will exchange reading activities.
How to Participate
The activity is open to ALL elementary, middle school and high school students.
- Classes will be matched by TWICE with a class from a different location, and each class will exchange reading activities.
- Important: If instructors sign up to participate, they MUST commit to the event. Unless an extenuating circumstance occurs, it is very difficult finding a replacement partner for connections at the last minute.
- In the event of any school closures due to weather conditions at either site, classrooms will be able to reschedule their event easily with GenNET Staff at the Genesee ISD.
Read Around the Planet Activity Timeline
- Registration Dates: December 3, 2018 – January 11, 2019.
- There are a limited number of connections available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- In late January, TWICE matches classes
- Partner contact information is e-mailed to participating teachers on or before February 1, 2019 from TWICE.
- Events are then scheduled for connecting by the Genesee ISD Video Team, followed by video testing and confirmation.
- GenNET District Classroom teachers do NOT need to test the connection prior to the day of the event.
- All connections will take place February 26-March 7, 2019.
Sample Format for Connection/Presentations
- Each connection is scheduled for one hour
- 15 minutes for welcoming and introductions
- 30 minutes for the reading activity (15 mins. for each class)
- 15 minutes for exchanging information at the end about respective schools and communities, and to ask each other questions.
- Event connections will be in GenNET Interactive Television (ITV) classrooms at local district sites. However, a connection can be held at the Genesee ISD if an ITV room is not available on the date and time that has been scheduled.
Read Around the Planet Activity Ideas
- Performance of books as skits, plays, raps or songs!
- Student created illustrations of stories to go with oral presentations
- Dramatizations of favorite stories
- Student-created books
- "Battle of the Books”
- Plus many, many more!
After classrooms are matched, teachers will be sent a full information packet from TWICE, with contact information for classroom partners so planning can begin!
Technology and Media Services (TMS)
Email: mjenning@geneseeisd.org
Website: www.geneseeisd.org
Location: 2413 West Maple Avenue, Flint, MI, United States
Phone: 810-591-4962