How to Start a Readathon with REadCONNECT: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hosting a Readathon is a powerful way to encourage children to develop a love for reading while raising awareness and funds for literacy programs. Whether you’re a school, parent group, or community organization, joining REadCONNECT’s Readathon is simple and impactful. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Register Your School or Group
- Visit the REadCONNECT website and sign up to become an official Readathon partner.
- Assign a Readathon Coordinator within your school or organization to oversee the event.
- Receive a Readathon Starter Kit, which includes reading logs, fundraising tools, and promotional materials.
Step 2: Set Your Readathon Goals
- Decide on the duration of your Readathon (e.g., one week, one month, or a set number of reading hours per student).
- Set a reading target for participants (e.g., total minutes, books read, or number of pages).
- Establish a fundraising goal, with proceeds supporting Bring Me a Book Hong Kong’s literacy programs.
Step 3: Get Students and Parents Involved
- Host a kick-off event at your school or online to introduce the Readathon and excite students.
- Distribute reading logs or digital tracking tools to help students track their progress.
- Encourage parents to read with their children daily and participate in family reading activities.
Step 4: Promote Your Readathon
- Use social media, school newsletters, and community boards to spread the word.
- Engage teachers and librarians to recommend books suitable for different age groups.
- Encourage students to share their reading journey with photos, videos, and testimonials using the hashtag #REadCONNECTHK.
Step 5: Track Progress and Motivate Participants
- Set up a leaderboard or recognition system to celebrate top readers.
- Organize weekly challenges to keep students engaged (e.g., “Read a Book in a Funny Voice” Challenge).
- Offer incentives or rewards such as certificates, badges, or book prizes.
Step 6: Encourage Fundraising Support
- Guide students in setting up their JustGiving pages for sponsorships.
- Ask families, friends, and businesses to sponsor students for each book read.
- Promote the cause by sharing why reading matters and how funds will support literacy programs.
Step 7: Host a Closing Celebration
- Organize a Readathon Finale Event at school or online, recognizing top readers and fundraisers.
- Invite a guest author or storyteller for an engaging storytelling session.
- Share impact stories showcasing how the Readathon has inspired a love of reading.
Step 8: Keep the Momentum Going
- Encourage families to continue reading together beyond the Readathon.
- Provide a recommended book list for students to explore after the event.
- Stay connected with REadCONNECT for future reading initiatives and literacy programs.
By joining REadCONNECT’s Readathon, you’re not just promoting reading—you’re building a community that values literacy, bonding, and lifelong learning. Ready to get started? Sign up today and bring the joy of reading to your school!
Start your REadCONNECT Readathon here
Thank you for reading this, you may also enjoy: Is this the one mistake parents in Hong Kong are making when it comes to education?
