Read Across America Day is a perfect opportunity to ignite students’ passion for reading. We’ve got you covered with proven ways to engage every learner and nurture a thriving reading culture in your classroom. Let us help you combine fun activities with simple promo strategies to make the day extra memorable.

Read Across America Day encourages literacy with creative activities like costume dress-ups, buddy reading, or book swaps. By combining reading challenges, guest readers, and fun promo or giveaways, educators can foster excitement, highlight student achievements, and build a supportive reading community.

This blog goes through 21 classroom-ready ideas for read across America day reinforce positive reading habits. Each activity is flexible, fun, and easy to scale for different grade levels. Keep reading for fresh approaches that will inspire lifelong readers.

1) Dress Up as Favorite Book Characters  

From Miss Frizzle to Harry Potter, invite everyone to don costumes celebrating cherished literary figures. This adds an element of excitement to class discussions and can boost engagement. Hand out custom character buttons or class-branded stickers as a costume reward.

2) Set a Reading Goal … and Slime the Principal  

Motivate students with a communal book count or reading-minute target. When they succeed, the principal (or a brave staff member) faces a fun challenge—slime or pie in the face! Track progress with a reading thermometer poster so kids see their achievements.

3) Buddy Up for Reading & Introduce Book Buddies  

Pair older students with younger learners or simply provide stuffed animals (aka “Book Buddies”) to nurture safe, confidence-building read-aloud sessions. Encourage bonds by distributing matching bookmarks for buddy pairs, or create a dedicated reading corner with plushies.

4) Read Across the States & Class Read-a-Thon  

Use this fun site to find kids’ books set in different states around the US to truly “Read Across America!” You can also set up your own system for reading one book set in each state, working with the school librarian or challenging your students to find the books.

5) Creative Crafts & Outside-the-Box Challenges 

 

Book-character dioramas, reading under the clouds, or building “recycled” cereal-box books—there’s no shortage of hands-on options. Encourage reflection by having students present their creations in class. Reward creativity with fun gifts and giveaways 

6) Assign Book Reviews  

Book reports can be tedious for kids, but book reviews offer a chance to engage students by allowing them to share their opinions on a book. This process tests similar skills while encouraging critical thinking and personal connections to the book’s themes. Assigning book reviews can also boost students’ interest in reading and inspire them to explore more books on their own. Consider using a fun book review template to make it more engaging.

7) Book Swap 

You know just how expensive buying new books for your classroom can be so we’ve got some ideas for getting free books!, and adding books to a child’s shelf at home can be equally challenging for parents. Set up a classroom book swap so students can get new books for free!

You can also gather gently used books for local charities or senior centers. A small token like “I Donated!” pins can make kids feel proud and inspire continued generosity. 

8) Embrace Diversity 

Celebrate Read Across America Day by embracing diversity and multiculturalism! Collaborate with your co-teachers to assign each grade a different culture, then select books that reflect those cultures. Students can create age-appropriate projects based on the books, which can be displayed on a cultural bulletin board. Even host an international night where families share foods, music, and stories from their cultures 

Enhance the experience with custom bookmarks or tote bags featuring the “Dive Into Multiculturalism” theme, or use branded pens and notebooks for the projects. These items can be both functional and meaningful while promoting the celebration.

9) March Madness-Style Brackets  

Have your class create a “Book Bracket” to determine your school’s favorite title. Themed posters and voting tickets can hype up the competition. Use the final match as a read-aloud event where everyone celebrates the “winning” book.

10) Reading Scavenger Hunts And Learn Parts of a Book

Send students scouring the library for specific genres or authors, then review key book elements like the spine, table of contents, and index. Hand out sticky page flags to mark different parts of a book. This visual approach strengthens retention and sparks curiosity about how books are organized.

11) Book Tasting

Create excitement for reading with a Book Tasting event! Transform a space into a cozy café with the help of the librarian and cafeteria staff. Set up tables with books and have students create a menu of titles they want to explore. Use themed or genre-specific tables to guide their choices, and invite special guests to highlight books as “Specials for Read Across America Day.” You can give out branded snack and treats to students while they read or even make it an immersive experience by picking a book like the hungry caterpillar and letting students eat the same foods as the characters. 

12) Healthy Readers  

Host a Healthy Readers wellness fair to promote student self-care and boost reading motivation. Collaborate with parents, school counselors, and health professionals to provide resources on healthy eating, physical activity, and wellness. Add fun with read-alouds and activities, such as yoga pose demonstrations, mindfulness exercises, and hair care tips, paired with themed books like The Happiest Tree and My Hair is a Garden. You can give items like water bottle stress and fidget toys and wellness kits and even pass out healthy snack kits. 

13) Gratitude Gardens, Musical Readers & Nature Connection  

Create a Gratitude Garden at school, providing a peaceful space for relaxation and reflection. Collaborate with staff, students, parents, and community groups to design a garden, whether an actual outdoor garden, a bench under a tree on school grounds, a window seal with containers of flowers, or a quiet sitting space with student artwork or murals. Use it as a reading garden by sharing We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga for Read Across America Day.

You can even get your students to join in and grow their own plant for the garden using  branded Bloomin’ Seed Paper. These eco-friendly items can be given to students and staff as a fun, sustainable way to engage with the garden and foster a connection to nature.

14) Inviting Special Guest Readers

Guest readers—from the mayor or local TV anchor to high-school athletes—offer role models who emphasize that reading is valuable at every age. To organize these visits, send out simple invitations via email or community bulletins. You could thank each guest with a customized tote or swag bag featuring the school logo and a note of appreciation.

15) Integrating Promotional Items Seamlessly

Promo products don’t have to feel like an afterthought—they can be tools of genuine excitement and learning. Provide themed wristbands for each reading milestone met, or supply colorful posters that track each class’s progress. You can even decorate your reading corner with school-branded pillows or stuffed mascots so that students feel a sense of pride and belonging every time they pick up a book.

By weaving creativity, community, and promotional flair into Read Across America Day, you’ll keep your students excited about reading long after the event ends. Contact us today to find out how we can help your next promotion! Happy celebrating—and happy reading!