Preparing for the 2025 Picture Book Reading Contest? Here are some valuable resources and tips to help you create a compelling and polished video submission.
Important Notice Regarding Book Selection Participants are encouraged to select a picture book published by The Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP). These books offer a wide range of engaging stories suitable for different language proficiency levels.
Access Free Online Books from Level Learning We are excited to announce that Level Learning is generously providing free online books specifically for this contest. This is a fantastic opportunity to access a variety of high-quality reading materials.
How to Access: To apply for these free online books, please submit your request through this link.
Deadline for Application: Make sure to apply before 23:59 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on February 15th, 2025.
Tips and Strategies for Reading Aloud Reading aloud is not just about pronouncing words correctly; it is about bringing a story to life. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the contest:
Understand the Story: Before you start reading, take time to understand the story. Know the characters, plot, and the message of the book. This will help you convey the story more effectively.
Practice Pronunciation: Make sure you can pronounce all the words correctly. If you stumble upon a difficult word, practice it until you get it right.
Use Expression: Change your tone, pitch, and volume to reflect the emotions and actions in the story. This makes the reading more engaging and lively.
Pace Yourself: Find a comfortable speed. Do not rush through the story, but do not read so slowly that it loses momentum.
Engage with Your Audience: Even though you are recording a video, imagine you are reading to an audience. Make eye contact with the camera and use facial expressions and gestures.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the more confident and natural you will become. Try recording yourself and listening back to see how you can improve.
Tips for Video Submission To ensure your video submission meets all requirements, consider the following tips:
Find a Quiet Place: Record your video in a quiet environment to minimize background noise.
Use Proper Lighting: Make sure the room is well-lit so both you and the book are clearly visible.
Set the Camera at Eye Level: Position the camera at the same height as the student to ensure a natural and comfortable appearance.
Check Sound Quality: Ensure that your voice is clear and audible throughout the video.
Show the Book Cover: Clearly display the cover of the picture book at the beginning of your recording.
Dress Neatly: Wear appropriate and professional attire to make a good impression.
Practice Before Recording: Rehearse your reading to ensure a smooth and engaging presentation.
Practice Resources Here are some additional ways to practice and improve your storytelling skills:
Read Aloud at Home: Practice reading the story aloud to family members or friends.
Record Practice Videos: Make a few practice recordings and review them to identify areas for improvement.
Watch Past Contest Videos: Reviewing winning submissions from previous contests can provide inspiration and insight into what makes a successful entry.
By following these tips and utilizing the recommended resources, you can create a high-quality video that showcases your storytelling talents. We look forward to seeing your creative submissions!