Every year, teachers across the country look forward to Read Across America Week, a time to spotlight the joy of reading and celebrate the power of stories in our classrooms. Whether you’re teaching kindergarten, first grade, or beyond, this week offers the perfect opportunity to inspire lifelong readers with meaningful literacy experiences that go far beyond just reading a book.
If you’re looking for fresh, classroom-tested ideas to make your literacy block exciting, purposeful, and student-centered, you’re in the right place!
What Is Read Across America Week?
Read Across America Week is a nationwide reading celebration that is traditionally tied to Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2nd. This special week encourages students of all ages to explore books, authors, and genres in fun and engaging ways. The goal isn’t just to read more, it’s to fall in love with reading.
Make It Meaningful
Instead of relying on worksheets that feel like busy work, plan activities that help students think critically, collaborate with peers, and make connections to text. Here’s how you can elevate your Read Across America celebration:
1. Literacy “Tasting” Stations
Create themed stations where students rotate through short, engaging mini-activities tied to different books or reading skills. For example:
- Genre Sampling: Read a short mystery, poetry, and informational text.
- Author Studies: Students explore favorites and write “book blurbs.”
- Vocabulary Challenge: New words from each book are showcased.
Stations make reading feel like an exploration, not a task!
2. Celebrate Genre Diversity
Read Across America doesn’t have to be only about one author or set of books. Use this week to expose students to:
- Folktales from around the world
- Graphic novels
- Poetry
- Nonfiction books tied to science or social studies content
Let students discover what types of reading they connect with most.
Turn Reading Into an Adventure with an Escape Room Challenge
One of the most effective ways to make literacy unforgettable is through play. Enter: a themed literacy escape room!
A literacy escape room blends reading comprehension, problem-solving, and teamwork. Students decipher clues tied directly to text features, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills, all while having a blast.
That’s why I created the Read Across America Activity Book + Tasting + Escape Room Literacy Week pack, a comprehensive resource designed to engage all learners during this special week.
This resource includes:
- Multi-day literacy activities
- Tasting station concepts
- An exciting escape room challenge
- Support for small groups or whole class engagement
It’s perfect for teachers who want structure, excitement, and real reading growth all in one packet.
Tips for a Successful Week
Invite Family & Community Readers
Ask parents, local authors, or community helpers to read aloud to your class via video or in person.
Let Students Choose
Offer choice boards so students can pick books that interest them, choice boosts motivation!
Reflect Daily
End each day with a reading reflection, students can share favorite parts, connections, or new words they learned.
Read Across America Week is more than a calendar event, it’s a chance to build momentum around reading, cultivate confidence, and open doors to new worlds for every student in your classroom.
With intentional activities, opportunities for choice, and resources that spark excitement, you’ll make this year’s celebration one students will remember.Looking for more reading activities? Check out my post here all about guided reading!
