Readathon info

[Cynthia Cassidy <ccassidy@GMRSD.COM>]

For all of those who asked -

here's what others are doing with readathons.  I think I'm going to run
it over a week long period, and invite each grade level to the library
one day during their language arts classes.  Each student will be able
to read for 80 minutes and we'll keep track of pages read.  It shouldn't
be a huge money maker, but it will get them reading and will be fun to
have a week of reading in the media center.  I think the money will go
toward the 8th grade trip each year.


We've run them quite successfully at my middle school - Shuksan Middle
School in Bellingham WA. We've run both school-wide and single
classroom.
The money raised went to a local charity. (women's shelter, food bank,
"Giving Tree", etc)  The single classroom events were actually more
successful then the school wide ones.  Two classes competed - Who could
raise the most money for their "Giving Tree" child?  One class raised
$700.00 the other $1,300.  7th graders did that!! And we are NOT in a
economically prosperous area of town.  The power of the teacher, power
of
the charity.  Kids have to buy into what they're doing, take some pride
in
how they're helping out. Let them be in on the decision making in a
significant way.
They do get  a sign up sheet - to record pledges. When it's school wide,
we
read for the first 3 periods of the day, then have 4th period as a time
for
reflection - writing or talking - then it's lunch and back to normal to
finish the day.  Pledges were for time read in that case.  With
individual
classes taking pledges, they received pledges for pages read, and read
for
their entire 3 period block. (both morning Core and afternoon Core -
great
day for that teacher!)  We make it a fun day, kids wear their pajamas,
bring
pillows and stuffed animals (if they want). They can snack and lounge
around
while they read.  Then, a week later, when the money is in, the real fun
of
going out to Target/ K-Mart to buy toys and clothes for the requests on
the
Giving Tree.  There is no competition between individual students -
nobody
gets a prize for bringing in the most cash.  It's just - pull together
and
donate the money out of our school.  This is important for us, as many
of
our students are needy themselves.  They can participate in this event
without extra pressure.

    They do get  a sign up sheet - to record pledges. When it's school
wide, we
read for the first 3 periods of the day, then have 4th period as a time
for
reflection - writing or talking - then it's lunch and back to normal to
finish the day.  Pledges were for time read in that case.  With
individual
classes taking pledges, they received pledges for pages read, and read
for
their entire 3 period block. (both morning Core and afternoon Core -
great
day for that teacher!)  We make it a fun day, kids wear their pajamas,
bring
pillows and stuffed animals (if they want). They can snack and lounge
around
while they read.  Then, a week later, when the money is in, the real fun
of
going out to Target/ K-Mart to buy toys and clothes for the requests on
the
Giving Tree.  There is no competition between individual students -
nobody
gets a prize for bringing in the most cash.  It's just - pull together
and
donate the money out of our school.  This is important for us, as many
of
our students are needy themselves.  They can participate in this event
without extra pressure.

I never have because of the time constraints.  Good luck!


Good luck!  Cynthia


Cynthia Cassidy
 Media Specialist & KidsConnect Volunteer
Great Meadows Middle School
Great Meadows, NJ 08865

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