Author: Pernille Ripp

I am a passionate teacher in Oregon, Wisconsin, USA, who has taught 4th, 5th, and 7th grade. Proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now. Second book“Empowered Schools, Empowered Students – Creating Connected and Invested Learners” is out now from Corwin Press. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

Information for the Global Read Aloud 2014

June 6, 2014 Pernille Ripp

Get Connected! How One Project Can Set You Up for The Year #GRA13

The Global Read Aloud 2014 may be several months away but here at GRA headquarters, which is really just in my head, the wheels are spinning. Here is some key information for 2014.

Where do I sign up?

Right here

Who is the author study?

The amazing and incredible Peter H. Reynolds is our focus this year. Here are the books chosen

Week 1: The North Star

Week 2: I’m Here

Week 3: Ish

Week 4: Sky Color

Week 5: Going Places

Week 6: Your choice!!!

What are the book choices?

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

One for the Murphy’s by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

What are the dates?

October 6th through November 14th

Which book should I read with my class?

New this year is the removal of grade levels. Please read the book that you think will garner the best connections, investments, and discussions in your classroom. Your know your group best!

Are the authors involved?

Yes, most of them! I have been in touch with 3 of the 5 and will release details as soon as they are settled. Some are more involved than others depending on how busy they are.

How do I get connected?

A great place to start are the Edmodo groups that have already been set up. These are for teachers only, no students, and are meant to be a place to find people to connect with, to ask questions, and to share ideas. The discussions have already started but will continue throughout the summer.

Peter H. Reynolds Author Study Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/4fpgfb

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/hiessv

The Fourteenth Goldfish Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/jcmw82

One For the Murphy’s Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/9d3fh9

The Fault in Our Stars Teacher Group on Edmodo https://edmo.do/j/y9fhkx

Mass Facilitator Group – if you are the main contact for a group of teachers in your school or district, this is a great group to join. https://edmo.do/j/mtk6pu

You can also use the hashtag #GRA14 or go to our wiki or Facebook page

What’s the “Share a Book” initiative?

This year, to really bring in the global connections, I hope you will send a book representative of your area to the class (es) you connect with. I also hope you will mail one to me if you feel like it. The idea for this extension came from receiving a picture book from Uganda and the impact it had on my school.

What does this cost?

Nothing, except for the book cost, which you get yourself. I don’t make any money off of this and there is no cost to be a part of it.

Is this truly global?

Yes! With more than 200,000 connections made in the past 4 years, GRA is used in over 30 countries on 6 continents, with even more signed up this year.

Will there be merchandise?

There has been in the past, so probably yes, but I find it to be rather expensive for people to buy which is upsetting to me. So if you have any ideas of how to make merchandise cheaper and get it to people, please contact me!

I have no clue what to do!

Please read this article by Matt Renwick, which may help you get ideas. Or contact me p (at) globalreadaloud (dot) com

Who is behind this?

Mass consumer of incredible books, Pernille Ripp, helps students discover their superpower as a former 5th grade teacher, but now 7th grade teacher in Oregon, Wisconsin. She loves children so much she decided to have 4 of her own with her soulmate Brandon, who keeps her laughing. Her first book was published this May by Powerful Learning Press entitled “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classroom Back to Our Students.” Her work has been featured by Edutopia, School Library Journal, MiddleWeb, Learning & Leading magazine, as well as in many podcasts and interviews. She teaches others how to give the classroom back to students through webinars, as well as to anyone who walks into her classroom.

Reading, students

Ten Picture Books My Students Say You Need – 2014

June 4, 2014July 31, 2015 Pernille Ripp

Anyone who has been in our classroom know that picture books are a big deal. A hush falls over the room whenever one is read and we hold our picture books as sacred text that not only let us relive our younger years, but also spark deep conversation. We realized we wanted to share our ten favorite reads from the year and I can say, it was hard to pick! The students shouted out beloved titles and then each voted for their own top ten. So without further ado, these are the ten picture books we think every classroom should read and own!

A few runner ups: These lost out by one vote to make it in the Top Ten but are still worthy of a read any day…

Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner

Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

And now on to the Top Ten.

Number 10:

We love Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This sweet story of a spoon trying to fit in and finding his place in the world was one that made us laugh and think about our own place in the world.

Number 9:

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, the story of a boy who feels invisible in his classroom was one that silenced the students. The reflections that followed from them were some that I had to blog about right away. have you had the conversation about the invisible children in your classroom?

Number 8:

Pete & Pickles by Berkeley Breathed is the story of an unlikely rescue mission and friendship , which was one that my students loved and gravitated toward many times. This is one of my all-time favorite picture books and my students agree, this is a must read over and over.

Number 7:

I love when my students laugh out loud when I read aloud and Warning: Do Not Open This Book by Adam Lehrhaupt definitely did that to us. Great illustrations as well as a fun story kept my students hooked.

Number 6:

What can I say about The Dot that countless others have not said already? The simple message of making your mark on the world and being good enough is one that left its mark on us.

Number 5:

Even though this book carries no words, my students could not get past the depth of the story. The gasp of breath in “that” scene was audible as was the hush that followed when the book was done. I love wordless picture books for the incredible imagination they possess, but this one downright shakes you awake to make you think about the world. Bluebird by Bob Staake is a must add to any classroom.

Number 4:

Another masterpiece by Peter H. Reynolds; Ish which is why he is the author study for Global Read Aloud 2014. This book led to a deep discussion of what people’s words do to our dreams and how we can support others’ dreams.

Number 3:

Journey by Aaron Becker was used as the culmination of our first reading unit, which happened to be a lesson I was observed during. I asked the students why I picked this book to share with them as our celebration book and their reasons blew me away. “We are on a journey in reading like the girl.” “we also can create what we want 5th grade to be like she does with her world” were among some of the things said. Again a wordless picture book brought some of our deepest conversations.

Number 2:

Picture books do not always have to discuss heavy topics to leave a deep impression. Weasels by Elys Dolan was one my students loved because it was sheer fun watching the weasels try to overtake the world. I love how picture books allows my otherwise cool 5th graders to just let go and laugh.

And finally, number 1 out of so many picture books read….

I pulled this book out after a recess incident that had really rattled my team. Whenever I send my students out to play and be with their friends, I never think that they may not be friends outside, that they may say mean things about each other, that they may exclude, and yet that day they proved me wrong. I knew we had to discuss what had happened but instead of another lecture from me about the power of our community, the sanctity of what we have built, and how we should all fit in, I let this picture book, Zero by Kathryn Otoshi do the talking for me. The fact that this is the most favored read in my room tells me they may have been listening.

From our class to yours, we hope you add some of these to your collection.

I am a passionate (female) 5th grade teacher in Wisconsin, USA, proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

being a teacher, punishment, reflection, rewards, students

Please Don’t Tell Me to Pick

June 3, 2014 Pernille Ripp

“…Please pick one or two students…” my heart freezes as I read the email.

Don’t make me pick, please. Don’t make me single out one or two students, even if it is for recognition. Why? Because I don’t just have one or two students who deserve to be recognized. I don’t have just have one or two students that have been representing our classroom well. I don’t just have one or two students that are above the rest. I have 27 students that all through the year have proved people wrong. I have 27 students who all through the year have given me their best, even when they had no energy, even when they were lost, even when life threw one obstacle after another at them. I have 27 who deserve special recognition, maybe not for the same things, but they all deserve the praise. they all deserve the acknowledgment that their journey through 5th grade has mattered and has made a difference.

So please don’t ask me to pick just one or two students. My mind cannot do it. And neither can my heart. These kids all deserve to be recognized, all for many things. So please don’t tell me I have to pick, I won’t do it.

Be the change, new year, reflection

Please Find the Courage to Let Go

June 2, 2014June 2, 2014 Pernille Ripp

The decisions weigh heavy on me every night; does it go with us? Does it stay behind? Is it useful or does it carry meaning? Do I have space for it in our new life, at our new house? With every decision, no matter how hard, the whisper of a new beginning comes to me. This home with all of its moments has been ours for 13 years. It has held us close while we cried over the loss of grandparents, refused job offers, and even losing the hopes of a baby. Yet, its logs has also been the frame for the promise of new careers, for birthdays and weddings. It has welcomed home 4 children, when no one thought it was possible. It has had its flaws, but it has been ours and every thing in it carries our story within,

Giving up ones possessions is hard. Sure, magazines and experts make it sound like an easy task; clean out, clean up, start fresh. And yet, when the decision is yours to be made, the pull of sentimentality is strong, the what if I need it some day rings loud, and the ease of maybe I will just put it in the basement deceives. So I pack, and I unpack, and then I take a deep breath and realize that it is not the things that are hard to say goodbye to, it is the fear of losing the memories that go with them. It is the ease with which I can place these things around my new house, find a purpose for them perhaps, or otherwise let them keep collecting dust just in case. It is the familiar, and the familiar, even if it means clutter and too much stuff is comforting and safe.

Our teaching is a lot like our house. We accumulate ideas, theories, and lessons throughout the years. We use some right away and they become our standard go-to pieces, ones we could not imagine teaching without. Others we shelve away for later and sometimes “later” does indeed come. Many ideas sit in our cabinets or even just our brains, waiting for that day where they have their turn. Other ideas we use because others did and it seems to be the right thing to do. Some ideas scare us too much making us think they will never work in our classroom.

Yet, when did we take the time really clean up our ideas? And not just the crazy ones, the old ones, the ones we never use, but even the ones we use the most. The ones that define us as a teacher. Even those should be evaluated now and then. We should not hold anything sacred. We should examine, unpack, and rethink what everything we do means. Consider how what we teach and how we teach affects the students we work with now. We should say goodbye to things that may have worked but whose time has come. We should rediscover ideas we never thought we would try. We should let the decision weigh heavy on our shoulders and still find the courage to let go and change. Now is the perfect time to start.

Uncategorized

And the Winners Are…

May 31, 2014 Pernille Ripp

Thank you so much to every one who entered for a chance to win a copy of my book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students.” I was overwhelmed with all of the words and excitement about reading the book, I wish I could have given all of you a copy. If you did not win, please consider purchasing a copy right here. Or if you would prefer a print version, please make sure to fill out this form, as my publisher is gauging interest.

Without further ado, the two winning comments are (randomly picked):

Derek Hatch (Hatcherelli) says:

May 26, 2014 at 3:20 pm (Edit)

Derek Hatcherelli with this comment: “I’ve heard great things about your book. Bill Ferriter, who is a hero of mine, just wrote a excellent blog post about it. I would love to read it!
http://blog.williamferriter.com/2014/05/26/book-review-passionate-learners-giving-our-classrooms-back-to-students/”

and

Lori Semans with this comment:

Lori Semans says:

May 29, 2014 at 8:05 am (Edit)

“I am so excited to find out about your book and blog. I am a 20 year veteran who is embarking on a journey next year to empower my students even more through Project Based Learning. I teach an inclusion classroom and will be looping up with them. We have started small this year and the kids and I are both so thrilled that our administration is giving us the opportunity to give the classroom back to the kids. I have seen tremendous advantages for my children at all levels. I have been telling everyone who will listen to follow your blog and to pick up your book. Your ideas support my belief that “Kids will not care what you know, until they Know that you care”. It is refreshing to read about others who share the same ideas. I couldn’t help smiling when I saw your post this morning of your classroom “mess” while the kids were learning. Mine looks the same right now and even my OCD tendencies for cleanliness can not overcome the excitement I feel when I see the kids so passionate about what they are learning and creating. We are turning our classroom into a “Museum of Change” next week for our fellow students and parents to observe all that we have learned throughout our journey this last month. Having an authentic audience is so rewarding for them. Thanks for all that you do to share your passion with others. I would love to read your book this summer.”

Thank you so much everyone!
Derek

global read aloud, Reading, Student-centered

Why the Global Read Aloud Matters

May 30, 2014June 24, 2014 Pernille Ripp

Wednesday started out as a normal day at school. I walked into the office to check my mailbox when our amazing secretary handed me a mystery package. I immediately looked at the mailing label and was astounded when I saw this.

Immediately curios, I ripped open the package and was surprised when I saw this

The package came from Cathy Kreutter, the librarian at the International School of Uganda, and she was reaching out to me continue the global connectedness started by the Global Read Aloud. Not only was I shocked, but I was also over the moon excited, because the other thing in the package was this…

A book, written by Cathy, based on the American Folk Tale “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” meant to tell readers more about Uganda. I couldn’t wait to read it to my students! And what happened next was pure magic.

Not only did I read it my students, who couldn’t believe the things they were learning. They also wanted to find out more about Uganda and had many questions. Next, I took the book to our 1st grade buddies and shared it with them. More questions and learning about Uganda happened. Then I swung by one of our kindergarten classrooms and shared it with them, with the same result. Within the span of an hour, 3 classes had learned and become curious about Uganda and Africa as a whole. All through the power of a book mailed to us because of the Global Read Aloud.

Yet, the power of this book has not ended. Our incredible librarian plans to share it next week with her classes and so we will see the seeds of curiosity planted in more kids. More kids will find Uganda ion the globe and know a little about this faraway nation where the Nile starts and lions roar. More kids will wonder about the world and what another child’s every day life is like. All through the power of a shared read aloud.

So this year, for the Global Read Aloud, I will encourage people who connect to send a picture book to their partners. A book that shares a little about them, that will deepen the connection between our homes. I will secretly hope that some will send one to me as well so my students can see just what this project has started.

Thank you Cathy for reaching out to me. That small gesture has started a wave of curiosity at our small school. To purchase your own copy of this book, please go here, I am telling you, the students will love it.

I am a passionate teacher in Wisconsin, USA, who has taught 4, 5th, and 7th grade. Proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press. Second book“Empowered Schools, Empowered Students – Creating Connected and Invested Learners” can be pre-ordered from Corwin Press now. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.