Service Sparks: Joy of Reading
Keywords:
Literacy
Literature
Sharing/Caring
Simple Safe Service
Speaking and Listening
Ignite meaningful action that lights up the world through "Service Sparks" youth projects! Read aloud to someone from literature that inspires and promotes conversation. The act of reading to someone younger is gift enough - it gives attention, joy, and caring - but we add to the service when the book encourages us to talk about important ideas that build community.
SERVICE SPARKS
Ignite meaningful action that lights up the world through "Service Sparks" youth projects!
Reading aloud is great for both the reader and the one being read to. It’s also fun to share our favorite books with someone else and help ignite a love of reading and learning in their lives.
- Look through your personal library at home or choose from this list of books related to community and generosity. These literature guides include read-aloud tips and discussion questions and activities.
- Practice reading the book several times aloud. You might want to read it in front of a mirror so that you can see what others will see when you’re reading.
- Pay attention to the sound of your voice. Change your tone and use special voices for different characters. Make your reading voice fun for the listener.
- Share the pictures in your book. Move slowly so that your audience has a chance to look at all of the illustrations.
- When you’ve finished the above steps, you’re ready to read it to a younger child or group of children.
- There are several ways to share your reading:
- You can read in person to younger family members or friends.
- You can make arrangements with a former teacher to visit and read your book.
- You can record yourself reading the book by using a smart phone, your computer or even an app such as Flipgrid THEN share your recording with your favorite elementary teacher. Read a book in Spanish, English, or any language represented in your community.
- Or, you can choose to read something meaningful to a senior at a nursing home or independent living site. The company will be welcome.
Reflection: Who benefits from a read-aloud activity? How are you helping a younger person by sharing your book with them? How does it help you?
Explore more Service Sparks projects:
Learning to Give ...
- educates youth about philanthropy, the civil society sector, and the importance of giving their time, talent and treasure for the common good (knowledge),
- equips youth by encouraging philanthropic behavior and experience (skills), and,
- empowers youth to take voluntary citizen action for the common good in their classrooms, lives and communities (behavior).