On February 16, we celebrated the most spectacular World Read Aloud Day. We are grateful for everyone--from families and classrooms to entire communities around the globe--who joined us to spread the power of the read aloud! Together, we're changing the world one story at a time. Here are our top ten highlights from the big day.
1. #WorldReadAloudDay and #WRAD17 Trended on Twitter
The #WorldReadAloudDay movement keeps growing each year, and we loved seeing the many ways everyone celebrated the read aloud on social media!
2. NYC DOE Chancellor Carmen Fariña Announced a New Literacy Initiative
The morning of WRAD, New York Department of Education Chancellor Carmen Fariña announced an incredible initiative to expand classroom libraries for young readers. She also gave a great read aloud of The Big Orange Splot.
3. Chelsea Clinton and Mo Willems Tweeted About WRAD!
We were honored to have such enthusiastic and widespread support for World Read Aloud Day. Check out the tweets here and here.
4. LitWorld Partners Reached Tens of Thousands
From Nigeria to India to Honduras, tens of thousands experienced the power of the read aloud. Check out our album to see how others celebrated.
5. The LA Times Joined the WRAD Movement
The LA Times shared their list of hand-picked and family-friendly read alouds, featuring Betty White, Shel Silverstein and the Obamas!
6. Scholastic Released A Special World Read Aloud Day Podcast
LitWorld leaders and literacy advocates Pam Allyn and Ernest Morrell highlighted the importance of the read aloud in the latest Scholastic Reads podcast! Take a listen to reflect on the impact of reading in children's' lives, and stay motivated to read aloud all year long.
7. NYPL Librarians Shared Their Top Children's Books
New York Public Library children's librarians had a special virtual story time via Facebook Live. Local branches around the city also hosted their own unique celebrations.
8. Colson Whitehead Read Aloud from The Underground Railroad
At an event hosted by the 92nd St Y, Colson Whitehead presented a powerful excerpt from his new novel, The Underground Railroad. You can still watch the stream online.
9. Clifford Brought the Joy!
At our main New York WRAD event in Harlem, the students at Mt. Carmel Holy Rosary couldn't contain their excitement as Clifford made an appearance. The kids also made reading crowns and bookmarks, saw a thrilling performance by the Story Pirates, and crowded around the reading corner for fun read alouds.
10. Coretta Scott King's Memoir Swept Both Coasts
We wrapped up WRAD with the families at LitWorld's Story21 program. They heard a lovely read aloud of Coretta Scott King's autobiography, My Life, My Love, My Legacy, from the book's editor Barbara Jones. In North Long Beach, California, girls with our #HerStoryCampaign partner Global G.L.O.W. enjoyed a read aloud with Nina Richardson, wife of Vice Mayor Rex Richardson.
- World Read Aloud Day 2017 is proudly sponsored by Scholastic -
