Activity
First Chapter Fridays
Read aloud a chapter of a book your students are interested in to build community around stories and storytelling.
At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- Advisory
- Civics & Citizenship
- English & Language Arts
- History
- Social Studies
Grade
6–12- Culture & Identity
- Equity & Inclusion
Overview
About This Activity
This routine, in which teachers read a chapter from a high-interest text out loud each Friday, fosters empathy, perspective-taking, and active listening, as well as builds community around stories and storytelling. When teachers read aloud to students, it can increase students’ comprehension and reduce anxiety, but teachers don’t always make the time to do so after elementary school.
Procedure
Steps for Implementation
Variations
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Facing History & Ourselves is designed for educators who want to help students explore identity, think critically, grow emotionally, act ethically, and participate in civic life. It’s hard work, so we’ve developed some go-to professional learning opportunities to help you along the way.
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The resources I’m getting from my colleagues through Facing History have been just invaluable.
—
Claudia Bautista, Santa Monica, Calif
