Sending Some Love
Students record themselves reading a children’s book, then send the book and recording to someone they care about.
The project opens with this
Who would you want to read to if they were here with you?
How it runs
Students choose a children’s book, practice reading it aloud, and record it. Each recording goes out with the book and a note the student writes, to a younger sibling, a child of their own, or a child at a local childcare center.
The recording fits in one class period. The rest is gathering books beforehand and delivering them after, by mail, at a family visit, or through a partner, and if mailing is not possible the recordings can be shared inside your school. Maya Angelou Academy in Washington, DC, and Vel R. Phillips in Milwaukee have run it for years.
Why it is worth doing
Students practice reading aloud for a real listener, and they get to give something they made with their own voice.
By completing this project, students will:
- Strengthen reading fluency, expression, and confidence.
- Share their voices with authentic audiences.
- Experience the joy of giving something personal and meaningful.
- Contribute to family and community literacy.
Teacher note
For emerging readers: use picture books, partner reads, or allow students to record telling a personal story instead