Global Read Aloud
Global Read Aloud is one of my favourite learning activities! I love seeing students explore rich literature and connect with other students to share their perspectives. As the Literacy with ICT Teacher Leader for my school division, I support teachers with technology-integration, so the Global Read Aloud provides an awesome opportunity to leverage technology to make connections with classes in other places.
I really enjoyed the fun, magical world in Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott. As I read her book, I jotted down discussion questions or prompts. Feel free to use any of these questions/prompts for discussions in your class or with your partner classrooms! I like posting a question or prompt on Padlet or Flipgrid each week to keep the connection going between partner classrooms, but many of the prompts would also work for in-class discussion or video calls.
Week 1: Chapters 1-3
(after Chapter 2)
Jaxon says “People never expect a kid like me to know anything about anything. I’m used to it, but it still bothers me sometimes.” (p.19) Have you ever felt this way before? Tell us about about a time when people thought you wouldn’t know something because you are a kid.
What 3 words would you use to describe Ma? Why did you pick each word?
Week 2: Chapters 4-6
(after chapter 5)
What do you know about the mysterious creatures so far? What clues or details have you found out about them?
Week 3: Chapters 7 & 8
(after Chapter 7)
Research the Mesozoic era and/or the dinosaurs Jaxon sees. Share some facts you find.
If you had to apply to be a witch’s apprentice, what are your best qualities?
If you had a transporter, when or where would you go?
(after chapter 8)
Make a prediction. What might happen next?
Ma is gone and the dragons are out. How would you solve this problem?
Week 4: Chapters 9 & 10
(after chapter 9)
There are magical animals in this book. Choose a familiar animal. What magical powers would you give it?
What have you learned about Trub so far?
(after chapter 10)
Jaxon loves geography and knows a lot about different places. Vik and Kavita are interested in dinosaurs and know a lot about them. What’s a topic that you love to learn about and talk about? Share 3 things about the topic you’re passionate about.
Reread the description of the magical realm on pages 112-113. Design your own magical realm. Describe it or draw it.
Week 5: Chapters 11 & 12
(after chapter 11)
The characters aren’t sure what to do now that they realize the dragon is with Kavita in the human world. It may not be easy to bring it back to the magical realm. What possible solutions can you think of for the dragons?
(after chapter 12)
Jax plans to get the dragon back. How do you think he will get the dragon? Develop a plan and share your steps for getting the dragon.
Week 6: Chapter 13
What do you think might happen next? Write the next part of this story.
What was a favourite part of this story?
What did the author do well in this book?
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