35 Fun-Raisers for School Spirit
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Read Together, Grow Together
A family reading activity that connects home and school.
Lisa Craig
A family reading event that combines classroom story time, bookmark making, and a book swap into one morning at school. Each student picks a new-to-them book to take home, and each family gets a shared reading experience together.
Why try it
Bring families into the building for a hands-on reading celebration that connects home and school. Parents get to see their child's classroom, meet the teacher, and read together.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Spread the word
Send your first announcement at least two weeks ahead through your usual channels: newsletters, flyers, or your school app. Explain the book swap (families bring 1-3 gently used books) and include a translated version if needed. Send a reminder a few days before the event.
2
Set up your stations
Set up four stations: sign-in and book drop-off, classroom reading time, bookmark making, and the book swap. Print sign-in sheets and reading passports ahead of time, and label each station clearly.
3
Host reading time
Schedule the event before school or during morning drop-off. Families check in, drop off their books, and head to their child's classroom (siblings can choose which room to visit) for 10-15 minutes of shared reading.
4
Wrap up with the book swap
Send families to the gym or another large space for the book swap, where each student picks a new book from the donated collection. Have families stop by the bookmark station on their way out.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Make it accessible
Offer translated flyers or bilingual versions of your announcement so every family can participate.
Leader Tip #2
Let siblings choose
If siblings are in different classrooms, let them pick which room to visit instead of splitting the family up.
Leader Tip #3
Label every station
Post clear signs at sign-in, reading time, bookmarks, and the book swap so families can move through on their own.
Leader Tip #4
Add a snack
Reach out to a local business or your PTO to see if they can provide a snack during the final rotation.
Leader Tip #5
Guarantee a book for everyone
Purchase new books ahead of time so every student takes one home, even if they don't bring one to swap.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Lisa Craig
Counselor
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