My class read-a-thon is something I look forward to all year long. I only do it once a year and I make my students earn it. It is a fun celebration of reading that promotes good reading habits!
Here's a copy of the note I send home to parents to inform them of the upcoming read-a-thon.
For a successful read-a-thon, here are some things to do before/during a read-a-thon:
- Send a note to parents in advance (Click HERE to download)
- Let students wear pajamas and bring snacks
- Make it a fun celebration of reading
- Write your rules on the board and go over them (see below)
- Plan little reading activities to do during the day (see below)
- Make sure your students have a chapter book (or for younger grades, a book box to get them through the day)
- Move all desks to the side of the classroom. Let students find a comfy spot somewhere in the room. Let them use their blankets and pillows, if they brought them to school.
- Have a spot on the white board where students can list the books they finish during the read-a-thon. It's fun to see how many books get read throughout the day!
My Rules for a read-a-thon:
- Read, read, read!
- Eyes in books
- No talking, only reading
Reading Activities:
- Set a timer, when it goes off, have everyone meet together and read a picture book aloud to students.
- Handout copies of a poem. Have students read them aloud with a partner to practice fluency.
- If weather permits, take kids outside to read on the grass.
- Invite a younger (or older) class to come in for storytime. Have your students read a story to them.
- If possible, take your kids to the school library to read.
Do have any other fun read-a-thon ideas?? I'd love to hear!!
EDIT: Tina from Quench Your First pointed out that she does a read-a-thon to celebrate Read Across America Day, which is coming up on March 2nd. If you'd like to celebrate too, here's an edited note for you to send home:
