Just over 40 students armed with new bookmarks and swanky sponsor cards are currently well under way with the Read for Good, Readathon. Read for Good are a charity who promote reading in new and inspiring ways and the Readathon is just one example of this. The idea is very simple, encourage students to read as much as they can, whilst raising money for charity.
The charity that the students are collecting sponsors for is the Leeds General Infirmary, Children’s Ward. The money that is raised goes towards buying new books for the patients. At any point it is important that the patients only receive new books, to limit the spread of infection. But with the current Coronavirus pandemic, this is paramount. The children on the wards are having a particularly difficult time, having limited visits from friends and family, so to be able to contribute to them having a better day is a really brilliant thing.
The students have been given 4 weeks to put together their reading list, to collect as many sponsors as they can and complete the challenge. The emphasis has always been on making the activity fun, reading as much as they can and anything else is a bonus.
As an incentive for taking part in the Readathon, we have also turned it into a House Competition, meaning students will have the chance of winning a serious number of house points for their House. One lucky student who has shown particular star quality will also win a £10 National Book Token, so there are lots of reasons to take part.
Students have already started to gather in the library to read together, but we plan to have an official Readathon picnic, where the students will be invited to bring a packed lunch to the library and read together. Treats and cakes will be provided for the participants, because everybody knows eating cake makes reading so much easier. Another great thing about the Readathon is that we will receive 20% of what is raised to buy brand new books.
If you would like to know more about Read for Good you can find information on their website www.readforgood.org or to sponsor a child go to https://readathon.secure.force.com/sponsor and enter The Farnley Academy.
Any support in any way that you can give our students taking part, would be greatly appreciated.