Copying a picture book for storytelling prompt

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  • I have a group of third grade students who are presenting a picture book for the New York State Read Aloud. After many attempts to have the children coordinate their speaking with the child in charge of turning the pages of the book, I am wondering if I could copy the pages that each child will read and have them be in charge of showing that page to the audience. We are limited in the amount of time we are given to present. This would be a one time presentation and I think the children will do better in timing what is said and what is shown. Is this acceptable fair use in an educational setting?
  • My first instinct is that this is more like a concert--you must purchase as many copies as needed for the performance and cannot copy the music to give to each student. Same as for a play; you don't copy the script, but buy as many copies as you need.
    And if you apply the fair use factors, the only one in your favor is possibly educational. You are using the entire work, it is creative and in my opinion, you are affecting the market.
  • I agree with LWilliamson that making a copy of the entire book does not fall under fair use.

    Some suggestions to avoid infringement:
    1. ask the publisher for permission
    2. buy a copy of the book and cut out the pages for each child to use
  • I'm not quite as convinced. This is a one-time thing, and educational. I don't think the effect on the market is significant enough to warrant buying new copies for a one-time deal. By that interpretation, you would always be inclined to purchase additional copies. That's just me, though. My big question is: what is New York State Read Aloud? How far does that go? How many people see that?

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