Readathon

World Book Day supports Readathon, the UK-wide sponsored reading event that encourages children to read for pleasure – it’s an ideal activity to run for World Book Day.

As well as raising money to help seriously ill children, participating schools get free book vouchers from Scholastic Book Clubs.

Click here for more details and to register for your free Readathon Resource Pack in time for World Book Day, call us on 0870 240 1124 or email us at reading@readathon.org

Readathon is the UK’s Sponsored Reading Event

“Inspiring children to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. I’d recommend Readathon to anyone.” – Julia Donaldson, author and Children’s Laureate

Reading for pure enjoyment enriches children’s lives beyond measure – and it’s been proven that reading for pleasure is more important than wealth or social background in improving a child’s future socially, emotionally, academically and vocationally.

Readathon began in 1984 and is now the UK-wide sponsored reading event run in schools, encouraging children – even reluctant readers – to read for pleasure. Children can read whatever they like, including comics, non-fiction, poetry, electronic books, or just listen to stories. The money raised helps seriously ill children and the school gets free book vouchers worth 20% of its total!

It’s simple, it’s fun and it works!

“I had all but given up on trying to get my daughter to read, but this has given her the push she needed, and we can’t stop her now. Thanks.” – Parent’s note to teacher, St Christopher’s School, Beckenham

Improving lives through sponsored reading

As well as running ReadWell, a charity that provides books and storytellers to children in hospitals, we support two other incredible organisations: CLIC Sargent, which provides vital support to children and young people with cancer, and their families; and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, which helps seriously ill and disabled children.

How It Works

Our free pack gives you everything you need to run a successful Readathon. Teachers who run Readathon for the first time are amazed at how easy it is how motivated children are to read.

Each child sets their own reading challenge (perhaps with help from teachers, librarians or family), to read a certain number of pages or books in a set period of time, in return for pledges of money from family and friends.

The average Readathon lasts about 3 weeks from giving out the sponsor forms to collecting the money. Some schools ask children to read during the holidays, some run it in school time, one even had a 24 hour marathon read!

“We found your big box of goodies both helpful and inspiring. You really helped to make the whole process straightforward and fuss-free.” – Ms Titley, Literacy Coordinator, Funtington Primary, Chichester