Why YouTube Read Alouds?

During this unusual time in education YouTube can become a teacher's best friend. YouTube allows teachers to view and share read alouds to their students. This is a fun and interactive way to get students engaged in the lesson from the start. YouTube is also free to anyone who wishes to start a channel. Starting a channel and being able to read the stories to the children in your classroom could help them during a distance learning situation like the current one we are in now. Believe it or not students miss school and miss their teachers and being able to see them reading a book could help to further their distance learning success.

If teachers are worried about unwanted views on their YouTube videos there are options to take to avoid this. When uploading a video there are several prompts to follow. One of them being the viewing preferences of the video. If the teacher wishes the video to be public they can list it as a public video for anyone to see. However, if teachers only want their students to view the video they can list it as an unlisted video. This means that only people with the direct link to the video can view it. YouTube also has a kid directed content setting that can be selected. This means that it will filter the content as kid friendly content so that if any ads are put into the video they will be age appropriate for children.

During this time of distance learning we as educators have to keep children reading. YouTube read alouds are a tool that can help to ensure children are staying confident and fluent readers. Viewing their teacher or others reading may help them to become more motivated to continue reading.

Caitlin

Staying at Home with a Fourth Grader

Children all across the country are experiencing a new way of life. Though they may not entirely understand why, they are spending more time at home than ever before. Many students have viewed it as a greatly extended summer break, and they are loving it! I asked a couple of fourth graders to draw me a day in their life at home; this is what I got:

1. Tommy*

Tommy recounts that he has been working tirelessly on his schoolwork! In fact, it’s the only thing he says he’s been doing! He’s suspiciously studios these days 😊

2. Jenny*

Jenny’s comic seems a bit more true to life! First she watches TV, then she works on her schoolwork, followed by reading. Her work/life balance is on point!

3. James*

Prepare yourself for an epic tale of adventure and triumph!

This first shot appears to be the cover of the book created by this student. It introduces the main focus of this story: Fortnite!

In this frame, two characters are having a traditional elimination battle. Once one character is defeated, he calls for a rematch!

In this frame, the rematch takes place. I’m not too sure who wins here!

Next, James unites with 3 of his friends to play a team-based match. Presumably, they would win.

The last page of the comic made me laugh out loud! It speaks for itself.

In all, we can see that kids are still being kids during these uncertain times. I believe we should let them take advantage of this freedom to do things like playing a few extra rounds of Fortnite with their friends. Often, we push students to focus on nothing but school (even at a very young age) but they have the opportunity to let lose a little! Don’t forget to let you children be children.

*Names have been edited for anonymity

Abby

More Free Time = More Reading Time

"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I'd rather be at school."

-Many students during this pandemic

Kids want to be at school? Why is this, what could be causing this?

Do they just naturally miss learning!?

Kids do want to be back in school and whats causing it is extreme boredom, loneliness, and lack of understanding. They do miss learning! This is a miracle! Educators need to take advantage of this. Instead of being lost and ready for this to be over, educators need to take advantage of this seemingly abnormal desire students have. Almost everyone needs/craves connection. Also, almost everyone could use some good reading in their life. During this pandemic, teachers can connect these two things. Students are so desperate to communicate with peers that if teachers would give them an averagely fun assignment where they could talk to their peers during it, they would be all for it.

Have students read a book that is grade level appropriate and then have a classroom zoom meeting where the class breaks down the book. The teacher will need to do a few things. They consist of being fun, being fun, and being fun! Students are bored out of their minds. Liven up the book and have students excited to read and chat about it. Have students chose a character and explain how the character and themselves are alike. This is a fun way to get students thinking, reading, and connecting. Chatting with and seeing their friends will excite them alone.

Worksheets are not going to cut it. Students are not learning. This is one simple and fun way to help them get back on the right track.

-Mallory and Matt