MEA Announces NEW Reading Program
Prizes include $500 to use for classroom books!
The Maine Education Association is excited to announce its new Read Across Maine reading contest which encourages all first, second and third graders to be #SpottedReading while completing a 312-mile Read Across Maine journey to celebrate National Read Across America Day. To help track your students reading, click here and download the MEA Read Across Maine map and use it for each of your students and your class as a whole. There are mile markers along “I-95”—with a marker for every 26 miles for a total of 12 mile markers in all.
Educators should determine, based on students’ abilities, what achievement helps move them closer to each mile marker. For example, maybe first graders will become proficient in reading 12 new sight words and move up or down the map, earning 26 miles per word. Second graders might focus on reading 312 sentences over the course of the contest and third graders might try to finish 312 pages in a book. You decide what milestones work best for your classes/schools-you’re best equipped to create an appropriate reading journey.
Download the #SpottedReading Map
Contest & Incentives
MEA wants to make the Read Across Maine journey as fun as possible, and every student who is #SpottedReading the full 312 miles will be entered to win four tickets to the Maine Wildlife Park where maybe you’ll find a spotted animal! All teachers who have full classes complete the journey will also be entered to win a book for each of their students and a $500 gift card to be used toward purchasing books for your classroom library. If your class completes the full 312-mile journey, teachers will also have access to receive a digital file that will allow you to print personalized certificates of completion. Certificates will be provided to you by MEA-all you need to do is add students’ names and print. After a student, or class has completed the contest, please fill out our MEA #SpottedReading entry form to be enrolled to win and receive your certificates.
Share Your Success
MEA would love to see our successful students and share in their achievements. Share pictures of your students on social media and tag us in your posts using the #SpottedReading hashtag.
Not an elementary teacher? Remember, “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”
Visit www.nea.org/readacross for details and resources. From booklists to tips for reading out loud, find what you need to inspire students to pick up a book and become lifelong readers!
