I don't know about you, but when school first starts, my kids have a hard time getting back into the swing of things. My less enthusiastic readers really struggle with the mandated daily reading their school requires, so I'm always looking for fun ways to get my kids psyched about reading on the regular. One of my favorite things from when I was in elementary school were read-a-thons! It was the most amazing activity for a book lover like me, but even kids who didn't love reading usually got excited about read-a-thons. If you are looking for a way to keep your kids excited about back-to-school reading requirements, why not try an at home read-a-thon? Here are some ideas pulled from the classic school read-a-thon to help make your at home one a success.
1. Location, location, location! Part of the fun of read-a-thons at school was that you got to find a special spot you didn't normally read in. I think the same is true at home. Instead of their usual reading spot, have your kids try building a reading fort, making a nest of pillows and blankets, pitching a tent outside, reading under their bed--anywhere that feels fun and fresh and exciting to your child is fair game.
2. Fun reading material! Ideally, the reading material should be fun and chosen by the kids. Think graphic novels, action packed fantasy, Calvin and Hobbes, and high interest low brain expenditure books. If they love it or are excited about it, it's a good option. My exception is if you are trying to incentivize your kids to read an assigned book required for school. It may not be a book they would choose, but you can still help get them excited about reading it by hosting an at home read-a-thon in which the required school book is the reading material for the read-a-thon.
3. Food! I have to say it--the best part of read-a-thons as a kid was getting to eat something yummy while reading. You knew you had gotten a super cool teacher when they let you bring food or, even better, provided a treat for everyone. Snacks make most things more fun, and reading is no exception. Letting your kids pick out their favorite treat and reserving it for reading time can be an exciting incentive.
4. Set the mood! Just like reading in an unexpected spot can make reading feel more exciting, so to can creating a different mood. Try playing soft instrumental music in the background. Read by the light of candles or a flashlight or Christmas lights. Make book themed decorations and hang them up in the reading area. Even small touches can take things from average or mundane to unique and special.
5. Time! Just like at school read-a-thons, the idea is to have a good chunk of time set aside where your kids can read without interruption. If they are required to read half an hour everyday, set aside at least half an hour. If they need to finish an assigned book or chapters, set aside enough time for them to do that (or at least make good headway).
6. Sponsorships! Not all of my at school read-a-thons were sponsored, but some were and it added a fun twist to an already fun activity. Some twenty years later, I don't remember what the sponsors gave for each minute of our reading, but you could do a host of things for your at home read-a-thon. Kids could earn prizes of screen time (which would be massively incentivizing for some of my kids!), little treasure box prizes, get out of a chore coupons, or even cold hard cash. You don't have to make these big or expensive, but little prizes for each minute (or whatever time increment you choose) can be hugely motivating for kids.
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