There are many different ways to do a Read-a-thon:
1. Read for many hours right in a row.
2. Read as much as you can in a certain time period (like, over a weekend). I’ve tried this method–it was an interesting way to experience reading.
3. Declare “Read-a-thon Month” and keep track of everything you read for that month. I haven’t actually heard about people doing this, but I think it’s a good option!
The Bibliophile Read-a-Force is currently in the process of planning a Read-a-thon. We decided to do a test run (50 minutes of reading, with a 10 minute break at the end). I must say, it was the quietest meeting we’ve ever had!
The test run was a great experience and it pointed out some of the things we will have to correct for a longer Read-a-thon. Obviously we’ll need more food, activities to do during our 10 minute breaks, and definitely more comfortable seating.
We read a grand total of 543 pages!!! Any thoughts I had about the bibliophiles not being up to the challenge of a Read-a-thon have certainly been dashed. They could out-read me anyday!
The Lupine Librarian 
This is a cool project! The TAB at my library has been wanting to do a lock-in forever…maybe we could make a read-a-thon part of the festivities.
That sounds great! We did a lock-in this summer, but as you can see from this link, not much reading was involved!
http://thelupinelibrarian.me/2012/08/14/help-im-locked-in-the-library/
Looking forward to checking out your blog. I’m allmmooossstt done with a first draft of my paper and then some major commenting is on my to-do list!
Amen & Hallelujah to read-a-thons.
We do a month long read-a-thon based on March Madness at our elementary school. The winning classes get an extra PE class. It’s a lot of fun and really does get the kids reading. Do you have a prize for your read a thon?
I love that idea (and what a great prize…I bet it’s a good motivator). I haven’t thought of the prize aspect of the program yet…I’ll have to start thinking about that 🙂
Awesome idea…great pics! Nice to find your blog through the Mother Reader challenge.
Thanks for stopping by! I haven’t been so great about my comment count so far. I can’t wait to check out all of these new blogs!
Love it. How long will the real one be?
Thanks for commenting! I’m hoping 6 hours for the read read-a-thon, but plans are still in the works!
Depending on how many people are there, maybe you could stagger the breaks so that people have a better chance at the water fountain/ restrooms. And the refreshments should be non-droppy — pretzels rather than chips & salsa.
Lots of pillows might help with the seating arrangements. Sounds like fun! I’ve only done readathons of types 2 and 3.
Thanks for the advice! Pretzels are a great idea (not too messy or sugary).
You certainly have to find the read-a-thon format that’s right for you… by trying them all! Good luck pulling yours together!
Thanks for inspiring this program (I participated in the 48HBC last year). The kids are really excited!
I am always delighted to hear about kids reading. I love to talk to kids about what they read. I did an author visit at Chavez Elementary and spent twenty minutes of my hour finind out what they like to read.