Reading aloud is a staple in most classrooms today, no matter the grade. Join experts in the subject Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. ET when they discuss read-aloud benefits and strategies on ILA’s next Google Hangout on Air.

Steven L. Layne, noted author and professor of literacy education at Judson University in Illinois, is the author of In Defense of Read-Aloud. In it, Layne presents historical and contemporary research supporting read-aloud as best practice and poses the question, “Why doesn’t our practice match our verbalized intent?” He has often reached out to classroom teachers to guide them in best practices of the strategy.

Pernille Ripp is a dedicated seventh-grade teacher who founded Global Read Aloud (GRA). From its inception in 2010, this growing literacy initiative has united more than 500,000 students in 60 countries. Over social media and in correspondence, Ripp has inspired teachers to join her literacy campaign. She has recently developed a creative community through Edmodo, encouraging teachers to also collaborate and network during GRA. In addition, Ripp is an author and the cofounder of EdCamp MadWI.

Jennifer Estrada joined the LitWorld team shortly after its founding in 2008 and moved into program development and management as LitWorld grew into a leading organization in literacy and social-emotional education and advocacy. She is a passionate advocate and educator who works with children and youth in communities throughout North America, Europe, and Africa. After receiving her MSc in International Education from Oxford University, Jennifer returned to LitWorld and divides her time between the New York and California offices with her primary base in New York.

Watch the Google Hangout on Air live at literacyworldwide.org/youtube. The broadcast will also be archived at the same location.

During the Hangout, expect the guests to make suggestions on how to maximize the value and importance of read-aloud, in addition to sharing lists of their favorite books for the practice.

The Hangout on Air will be live-tweeted. To join the conversation on Twitter and have a chance to win a copy of Layne’s In Defense of Read-Aloud, use #ILAhangout.