What does storytelling look like in your classroom? Whether it’s students sharing personal narratives or diving into imaginative tales, storytelling has the power to connect all of us. For educators who believe in the magic of stories, World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and amplify voices from every corner of the globe.
Founded in 2010 by LitWorld, WRAD is a global movement celebrating the power of reading aloud to create community and advocate for literacy as a fundamental human right. On February 5, 2025, WRAD marks its 15th anniversary! Classrooms worldwide are invited to join the celebration.
Today on the blog, I’m excited to share some extra-special resources for the 15th anniversary of World Read Aloud Day!
What Is World Read Aloud Day?
World Read Aloud Day is more than just a celebration of books. It’s a movement that brings readers, writers, and listeners together to honor the joy of storytelling. What makes this year’s WRAD special is that it is the15th anniversary of #WorldReadAloudDay. In 2025, LitWorld commemorates 15 years of sharing stories that reflect the world’s rich diversity. This theme emphasizes the importance of sharing stories that reflect the world’s rich diversity. World Read Aloud Day is a global campaign that encourages us to embrace storytelling as a way to recognize humanity in one another.
Participating in WRAD isn’t just an engaging activity for students—it’s a meaningful way to connect your classroom to the world.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with the LitWorld team on various initiatives, including a special afterschool program designed to support literacy skill-building for families. Over the past decade, I’ve also seen the impact LitWorld has had on communities around the globe.
Celebrate WRAD with “Build A Story”
This year’s WRAD celebration includes a special activity you and your students won’t want to miss. It’s called “Build A Story.” This collaborative storytelling initiative invites classrooms to join LitWorld’s global community in creating stories together. Imagine your students contributing their ideas, blending creativity with teamwork, and sharing their work with others around the world!
The “Build A Story” activity is perfect for engaging learners of all ages. Whether your students want to explore imaginative stories, craft personal narratives, or experiment with different genres, this activity provides plenty of flexibility. You can offer students a creative and collaborative experience that is ready for you to tailor to your group of students.
On this special “Build A Story” challenge page, you’ll find prompts to help student storytellers. You’ll also find a link to post the stories your class creates!
Free Resources to Get You Started
To help you plan your World Read Aloud Day celebration, LitWorld has a wealth of free resources. You can find them all on their WRAD activity hub. On their website, you’ll see:
- Downloadable activity packets with step-by-step guides for “Build A Story” and other WRAD activities
- Inspiration for storytelling prompts you can adapt to different grade levels
- Tips for creating a reading-aloud culture in your classroom or school
- Multimedia resources like videos and graphics to share with your community
Head to worldreadaloudday.org to explore these materials and start planning your WRAD activities today!
Participate in World Read Aloud Day
Getting involved in World Read Aloud Day is simple! Here are a few steps to follow:
- Visit the WRAD Activity Hub: Download the free activity packet and explore ideas to make the day special for your students. Start here.
- Register as a WRADvocate: Sign up here to join a global network of educators, students, and families celebrating WRAD.
- Plan a “Build A Story” Session: Work with your students to create a collaborative story. Then, share it with LitWorld’s global community.
- Share on Social Media: Use the hashtag #WorldReadAloudDay and tag @litworldsays on Twitter or Instagram. It’s a great way to connect with other classrooms around the world.
Join the Global Celebration
February 5, 2025, is right around the corner! There’s certainly no better time to start planning your participation in World Read Aloud Day. Whether you’re new to WRAD or a long-time participant, this year’s activities, like “Build A Story,” offer an exciting way to engage students in meaningful, creative learning.
So, what story will your classroom share with the world? Visit the World Read Aloud Day landing page to learn more. That’s where you’ll find resources to download and where you can register your classroom. I can’t wait to see what stories you and your students are able to build on the 15th anniversary of WRAD!
Find more posts featuring literacy resources:
- Writing Activities That Don’t Use AI
- Uncheatable Assessments and the Role of Digital Storytelling in the Classroom with Michael Hernandez – Easy EdTech Podcast 214
- Using Tech to Help Students Tell Their Stories with Pam Allyn – Easy EdTech Podcast 235
- Writing Without Limits Strategies for Encouraging Creativity with Katharine Hsu – Easy EdTech Podcast 200
