Nine-hundred and sixty-two teachers participated in Read Across America via video-conference this year. Students in Eastern Kentucky were given the opportunity to take part in the two-way video Read Across America (RAA) event that connects classrooms around the United States. RAA is sponsored by Two-Way Interactive Conferencing in Education (TWICE) organization in Michigan. There are nine verification partners across the United States. Partners include: The Center for Rural Development in Kentucky, College of Education Wichita State University in Kansas, Merit Network, Inc. in Michigan, Cooperating School Districts in Missouri, Mohawk Regional Center in New York, Northern Ohio Educational Computer Association in Ohio, MAGPI in Pennsylvania, Texas Education Telecommunications Network in Texas and Kenosha Unified School District in Wisconsin. The driving purpose of the celebration is to have students read to each other. To add motivation, what they read is their choice. A book by Dr. Seuss would be a good selection (this event is in honor of his birthday) as well as books about their community, a poem, or even an original story written by their class. As part of the project, classes are matched with other participating classes from around the country. The project is open to all K-12 students in public and private schools with access to videoconferencing equipment. Access is available statewide through the CenterNET2 Network, a resource made available through The Center for Rural Development.
The Rockcastle County Middle School Touring Theatre and Rockcastle Co. Schools “Reading is Fundamental” Program Present “Cook-A-Doodle-Doo!” for Read Across America by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens
The Rockcastle Teaching and Learning Center, in partnership with the Rockcastle Middle School Touring Theatre, the Rockcastle County Public Library, the Rockcastle County High School Early Childhood Education Class and The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, joined together to make celebrating Read Across America a memorable day for Rockcastle County students. It’s as if the whole town came together to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Participating partners presented storybook dramatizations, poetry and performance activities along with singing and music. Brandon Reynolds and Jenny Sweet, along with the rest of the community, are to be commended for the hard work they put into their creative videoconferencing virtual field trips.
Corbin High School Students Pair with Students in Alberta, Canada for Read Across America
Teacher Pam Bishop loved taking advantage of the Read Across America opportunity via video. Each class mailed a box of goodies representing their community to the other. Students learned first-hand how Canadian culture compares to Kentucky. Corbin students were asked by their partners in Canada about Kentucky Fried Chicken, fishing, sledding and other things. They also learned that temperatures in Alberta average about 41 degrees in the summer. On the topic of fishing, the Corbin students asked if they had ever been ice fishing - few had. In response, the Alberta students were asked if they had ever been "regular" fishing - none had because their lakes are often frozen-over with two-feet of ice. Everyone at Corbin was excited and think these connections are very interesting. The two classes have created friendships and are currently keeping in contact via e-mail and have even exchanged a few photos. “The Read Across America teleconference with the students from Alberta, Canada was a very positive experience. As a class, we were able to see the Canadian education system and the Canadian way of life. What was really demonstrated to us was the true similarities that we shared. The Canadian students experience many of the same things that we do. I believe that the teleconference was able to dispel myths about cultural differences and build a stronger sense of international unity,” said Graham Rogers, Junior. Junior
“The RAA video conference with Canada was a one-of-a-kind experience. Personally, I found the “question and answer” portion most intriguing. During this time, we were able to casually discuss everyday activities of the Canadian students,” said Holly Williams, Junior
