CEF Celebrates Reading with a Virtual Puppet Program
The Connecticut Education Foundation is excited to share a Read Across Connecticut webpage filled with resources and a free link to a virtual read-aloud puppet show with book character puppets reading the story, The Someone New by Jill Twiss.
This unique virtual puppet program combines the importance of reading in a fun, exciting way—through the eyes of puppet characters from a book about diversity, kindness, and inclusion– to help instill a love of reading in children, especially in grades K-4.
Watch this read aloud of The Someone New by Jill Twiss with your class and keep watching for a special Q&A with the author asking characters, Jitterbug and Pudding, questions about their roles in the story.
Watch Connecticut students from across the state ask Jill Twiss questions about how to become a writer, what it’s like to be the new kid, and writing The Someone New.
The Someone New by Jill Twiss
Created by Wonderspark Puppets, The Someone New by Jill Twiss comes to life in a read aloud and question and answer session with the author!
From Jill Twiss and EG Keller, the author and illustrator team behind the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, comes The Someone New, a fresh and timely story about how it feels when someone new comes knocking at your door.
Jitterbug the chipmunk likes it when things stay the same. So when one day Pudding the snail comes into her woods, Jitterbug worries that everything will be different. What if Pudding spoils everything? What if there’s no more room for Jitterbug? With the help of her friends, can Jitterbug welcome the newcomer and learn that kindness is stronger than fear?
Read Across Connecticut Virtual Backgrounds
Are you virtual teaching during Read Across America week? Download the virtual background featuring Jitterbug, Pudding and the whole gang. The Read Across Connecticut background is colorful and fun, too!
Early Readers
Check out this list of 10 books that were featured in our 2021 Read Across Connecticut book donation. Also find more resources to help encourage your young readers in the classroom.
Middle Readers
Check out this list of 10 books that promote diversity, inclusion, and unity. Also find more resources to help encourage your middle readers in the classroom.
Young Adult Readers
We found 10 books that promote diversity, inclusion, and unity. Also find more resources to help encourage your high school readers in the classroom.
Bookmarks
Download and print “Read Across Connecticut” bookmarks. There are four adorable characters for your students to pick from!
Reading Certificates
Download and print “Read Across Connecticut” Star Reader certificates for your class. Print them out to give out on Read Across America Day on March 2nd.
Word Search
All celebrations need a fun activity! Download and print this Dr. Seuss themed word search.
Thank you to our partners:
More Information:
iHeart Radio Interview
Listen to iHeart Radio interview with CEF President Tom Nicholas and author Jill Twiss about this year’s Read Across Connecticut event.
March 4, 2024
The fun-filled family event was organized by the Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF) and community partners iHeartMedia and Blue Back Square. CEF collected several thousand books that will be donated to Little Free Libraries – many of them in Alliance Districts, where some of the greatest needs exist.
February 26, 2024
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