Read Across America Day 2024 Teaching Resources
Celebrate Read Across America Day and Week 2024 with worksheets, bulletin board ideas, activities, games and more designed by elementary school teachers for your classroom!
This collection of National Read Across America Day teaching resources was created to help you bring a love of reading to your classroom this March and celebrate the holiday with more than just a plate of green eggs and ham!
Looking to get your class hooked on a book this holiday? Read on for a quick guide from the teachers on the Teach Starter team on how to make Read Across America Day and Week a success in your classroom plus specific ideas to fit the theme!
What Is Read Across America Day?
Read Across America Day is considered the largest day of reading here in the US, but how much do you really know about the origins of the national holiday? Started in 1998 by the National Education Association, Read Across America originated as Dr. Seuss Day, a day when kids ate green eggs and ham and donned giant Cat in the Hat hats.
These days the NEA has separated Read Across America Day from the controversial author, stating “NEA recognizes the need to work with a more diverse array of organizations and publishers to fulfill this need, and the Read Across America brand is now one that is independent of any one particular book, publisher, or character.”
Instead, the day has become a chance to read a variety of diverse books featuring a diverse array of characters that better reflect the make-up of the American population.
When Is Read Across America Day 2024?
Read Across America Day is traditionally celebrated on March 2, which will be a Sunday in 2024. No need to worry about missing the holiday because school is closed, however!
The date falls right at the start of of Read Across America Week, which spans from March 2-6, 2024.
The day will also help kick off National Reading Month, which extends through the month of March.
What Is the National Read Across America Theme for 2024?
Since Read Across America Day and Week were taken over by the NEA, the theme has been the same each year — Create & Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers.
How Can I Celebrate Read Across America With My Class?
If you’re thinking of implementing Read Across America into your classroom, here are a few suggestions from our teacher team:
- Host a Reading Day or book-tasting party in your classroom and read some of the classics.
- Organize a book swap at your school to encourage students to exchange their old books with their friends.
- Take a field trip to the school or public library with your class to check out some new books and go on a Read Across America scavenger hunt!
- Hold a Read Across America costume day, and dress up as your favorite book characters.
Fun and Engaging Read Across America Crafts and Teaching Resources
- First, you need to print a set of these reading-inspired bookmarks! These adorable bookmarks are perfect for handing out to your students.
- Print and craft a set of stylish Read Across America glasses for your students to wear on their reading adventures.
- Read and share your favorite stories with our printable Book Recommendation template.
- Check out even more Read Across America ideas here!
This collection of resources was designed to celebrate Read Across America. You'll find beautifully designed templates, badges, and more. Decorate your classroom and celebrate a love of all things reading!
- Free Plan
Readers' Theater Script - The Lion and the Mouse
A readers’ theater script that can be used for reading fluency and expressive reading.
- Plus Plan
Winter Bulletin Board - Warm Up with a Good Book
Display book reviews all winter long with a hot cocoa-themed Winter bulletin board kit.
- Free Plan
Readers' Theater Script - That's Not My Pet
A readers’ theater script that can be used for reading fluency and expressive reading.
- Free Plan
Design Your Own Book Cover Worksheet
Design a new book cover and summarise a book using this one-page, printable template.
- Free Plan
Library Scavenger Hunt for Upper Elementary Grades
Explore the school library with a scavenger hunt!
- Free Plan
50-Book Challenge Tracker - Printable Bookmark
Encourage your students to complete the 50 Book Reading Challenge with a printable bookmark to track their books.
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Read Across America Bingo
A Read Across America bingo card to encourage reading different types of books.
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Roll and Read – Sight Words – Grade 1
A fun game for students to practice reading sight words.
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Book Hunt Image and Task Cards
Take your students on a book hunt with this poster and set of task cards.
- Free Plan
My Mini Book Report
Have students write about their favorite literature with this fun-sized mini-book.
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Roll to Create a Silly Book Title - Differentiated Writing Activity
Have some fun with a hands-on Read Across America activity using a die and chart to create a silly book title and storybook.
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Parts of a Book Cut and Paste Activity
Identify the various parts of a book with this cut and paste worksheet.
- Free Plan
Curiosity and Imagination Bookmarks
Spark a love of reading in your students with this set of 4 printable bookmarks.
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Library Scavenger Hunt – Lower Grades
Explore the school library with a scavenger hunt!
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Read Across America - Project Task Cards
Celebrate Read Across America Week 2024 with a fun set of literature-inspired book project task cards.
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Garden Gnome Book Review Template
Inspire your readers to share their favorite books with the class with a printable garden gnome book review template.
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Reading World Scavenger Hunt
A set of 20 reading tasks for your students to complete as part of a reading challenge.
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I Love to Read Mini- Book
Share the love of reading during Read Across America week with a printable reading habits mini-book.
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Would You Rather? Read Across America Game
Engage your students in thought-provoking discussions and fun exercises on Read Across America with a fun game of Would You Rather?
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Cereal Box Book Report - Author Study Book Bin Template
Research and write biographical text to create a literacy-themed book bin using an author study biography report template.
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Sloth-Themed Book Review Template
Use this sloth-themed book review template to write about your favorite book.
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Book Review Worksheet
Encourage your students to share their thoughts on a story with this simple book review worksheet.
- Plus Plan
Positive Self-Talk Bookmark
A bookmark with positive self-talk affirmations.
- Plus Plan
Currently Reading Signs
Proudly display to everyone in the school what your class is currently reading with this set of 16 reading signs.
- Read Across America Day 2024 Templates
- Read Across America Day 2024 Worksheets
- Read Across America Day 2024 Book Review Templates
- Read Across America Day 2024 Posters
- Read Across America Day 2024 Labels Signs Decorations
- Read Across America Day 2024 Games
- Read Across America Day 2024 Bulletin Board Displays
- Read Across America Day 2024 Bookmarks
- Read Across America Day 2024 Task Cards
- Read Across America Day 2024 Dice Games
- Read Across America Day 2024 Writing Templates
- Read Across America Day 2024 Mini Book
- Read Across America Day 2024 Coloring Pages
- Read Across America Day 2024 Craft Activities
- Read Across America Day 2024 Certificates and Awards
- Read Across America Day 2024 Flipbooks
- Read Across America Day 2024 Pennant Flags
- Read Across America Day 2024 Cut and Paste Worksheets
- Read Across America Day 2024 Bingo
- Read Across America Day 2024 Active Games
- Read Across America Day 2024 Banner Display Letter Sets
- Read Across America Day 2024 Matchup Games
- Read Across America Day 2024 Brochure Templates
- Read Across America Day 2024 for Pre-K
- Read Across America Day 2024 for Kindergarten
- Read Across America Day 2024 for 1st Grade
- Read Across America Day 2024 for 2nd Grade
- Read Across America Day 2024 for 3rd Grade
- Read Across America Day 2024 for 4th Grade
- Read Across America Day 2024 for 5th Grade
- Read Across America Day 2024 for 6th Grade
- Read Across America Day 2024 for 7th Grade