In a heartwarming gesture, J.K. Rowling has lifted copyright restrictions, enabling educators to record and share videos of themselves reading her beloved Harry Potter series to students confined at home due to the ongoing pandemic. This initiative aims to help maintain connections between teachers and their students during challenging times.
Rowling, alongside her representatives from The Blair Partnership, announced this exciting news, stating, “Teachers can now post videos of themselves reading aloud from the Harry Potter books to children who are unable to attend school because of COVID-19.” This permission is valid worldwide and extends to all seven books in the Harry Potter series, effective until the end of the school year or the end of July in the southern hemisphere.
Educators can utilize secure school networks or private educational platforms to upload their reading sessions. Rowling expressed her delight in assisting teachers, tweeting, “I’m thrilled to help teachers reach kids at home by relaxing the usual license required to post videos of themselves reading Harry Potter books.”
Many teachers have shared their appreciation for Rowling’s generosity. One educator from Italy remarked, “As an English teacher, I’ve encouraged my students to explore the Harry Potter books. In these uncertain times, I’m immensely grateful for the magical world you’ve created. Thank you, Jo, for being a bright light!”
With schools closing globally to curb the spread of COVID-19, this initiative serves as a beacon of hope for both teachers and students alike. UK Prime Minister Sam Thompson recently announced a nationwide school closure, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Rowling noted that this open license is just one of several planned efforts to bring the enchanting world of Harry Potter to children at home.
In addition to Rowling’s initiative, various publishers like Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins have relaxed copyright restrictions during this period. Audible has also introduced a platform called Audible Stories, allowing families to enjoy a selection of audiobooks at no cost, categorized for different age groups.
For parents looking for engaging activities for their children, Rowling’s move provides yet another avenue for entertainment during this time of uncertainty. The absence of school routines can be tough on kids, and these readings offer a magical escape from the realities of the day.
As Rowling aptly put it, “Be well, everyone,” and don’t forget to check out this post on teacher support for more resources.
In summary, J.K. Rowling’s decision to allow teachers to read Harry Potter online is a fantastic way to support education during the pandemic. This initiative not only fosters a connection between students and their teachers but also allows children to immerse themselves in a world of magic and adventure.
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