Raymond Middle School Teacher Creates Virtual Read-Aloud Using Original Story and Illustrations

RAYMOND, N.H. — Superintendent Tina McCoy and Iber Holmes Gove Middle School Principal Bob Bickford are pleased to share that an Iber Holmes Gove teacher has created a virtual read-aloud for students using a book he wrote. 

The online read-aloud is available on YouTube. 

Jim White, a sixth grade teacher at Iber Holmes Gove, wrote and illustrated a book called Samara’s Secret in November 2019 as part of an online artistic challenge. 

The story is about the friendship between a house cat and chickadee. The read-aloud is narrated by White and is accompanied by illustrations and music. White created the video book version last week in honor of International Children’s Book Day on Thursday, April 2. 

“We’re grateful to all of our teachers like Jim who have thought of creative ways to provide fun learning opportunities for our students during this time that they can’t be in school,” Principal Bickford said. “This read-aloud is now another unique story and activity students have access to at home.”

“We see many positive interactions when students participate in read-alouds and they are an excellent way for students of many ages to improve their literacy, learn new words and more. Listening to stories and following along with the colorful illustrations also keeps kids engaged and entertained,” Superintendent McCoy said. “It’s wonderful to see how our Raymond teachers are using their talent and creativity during this time.”  

White teaches sixth grade science and social studies, and will also be teaching math next year. He is an alumnus of the Raymond School District and began his educational career as a paraeducator.

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