There are so many opportunities that come with MS READaTHON:
► Teach children about the challenges faced by people with disabilities
► Receive a free assembly about MS
► Make it part of your community service program
► Add it to lesson plans
► Have students give book reports
► Get student and school prizes
Once you get involved in MS READaTHON, there are plenty of ways to keep your students motivated during the designated reading period.
► Set a goal: Talk to your students about a goal for the class. How many books each student can read during the reading week, sponsors they receive or money they raise.
► Chart their progress: Create a chart or poster with each participating student's name. Use stickers or a thermometer to track how many books they have read in the reading weeks. Create an incentive for reading more: a homework pass, dress down day, small prize, etc.
► Pizza Party or Ice Cream Party: Host a pizza or ice cream party for the classroom with the highest percentage of participation, the top fundraiser in each grade and the top reader in each grade.
► MS READaTHON Challenge: Challenge another classroom to see who has the best participation, most books read, total donations, etc.
► Creative Ideas: Encourage students to create bookmarks or a new book cover depicting their favorite scene or character from a book they are reading. Have them write new and creative endings for their favorite MS READaTHON book.
► Incorporate MS READaTHON into your lesson plan: Have the children write short book reports or put on presentations about one of the books they read for MS READaTHON.
Plus, your school wins if you participate in the program. School supply gift certificate awards are as follows:
$1,500-3,499: $100 Kurtz Brothers’ Gift Certificate, Engraved Plaque
$3,500-5,999: $200 Kurtz Brothers’ Gift Certificate, Engraved Plaque
6,000 +: $300 Kurtz Brothers’ Gift Certificate, Engraved Plaque
*Gift certificates are from a school supply company