join the #readchallenge and celebrate reading all month long

March is the time to really celebrate reading, my friends!

Especially this year, now that I’m back in the classroom, I have been eating, sleeping, and breathing reading. And I’m ready to bring you into the mix, too. So buckle up.

The more we talk about reading, think about reading, and get excited about reading, the better. Believe me, the more reading we do as parents and educators, the more our kids will want to read. Promise.

So this year, I’ve teamed up with my sweet and crazy-creative friend and co-worker, Michelle, to create the #READchallenge. I’m over the moon thrilled about it, and I bet you will be as well.

Here’s the skinny. . .

Join the #READchallenge and Celebrate Reading All Month Long: 

The idea behind the #READchallenge is simple–share one reading-related photo every, single day through the month of March. And in doing so, not only will we all be thinking about reading, we’ll be sharing our excitement with others.

Interested? I knew you would be!

Here’s the March Reading Challenge schedule:

Here’s how to play along:

1. Share our photo. Share the #READchallenge photo above to whichever social platform you like best so that your friends know what you’re doing. Instagram? Facebook? Twitter? Snapchat? Pinterest? Use the hashtag #READchallenge, and we’ll find it, like it, and comment!
2. Share your photos. Each day, share one photo that somehow connects to the idea that day. The sky’s the limit, and there are no wrong answers! Again, just remember to use the hashtag #READchallenge, make sure your photo is public (if you want us to see it!) and share away!
3. Have fun and be easy on yourself! If you fall behind, it’s cool. We get it. We’re busy, too. Just jump back in when you’re able.
4. Follow the hosts: @teachmama1 (me!) and @ImtheDIYteacher (Michelle!).

Not sure how to share a photo or what it should look like?

Guess what? Anything goes, but here are some ideas to get you started:

–> Go simple.

If you just want to share the photo, share the photo. Just include in the description of the photo the hashtag #READchallenge. That’s it!

–> Add the day’s focus word. 

Only if you want. Sometimes adding that text to your daily photo is fun, and it will get people thinking about what you’re doing. Just include in the description of the photo the hashtag #READchallenge.

–> Add the day number, word, and hashtag.

If you’re able to do this with ease and feel so inclined, do it. No pressure, though, friends. Make it easy for you.

Remember–just include in the description of the photo the hashtag #READchallenge.

–> Add the #READchallenge hashtag. 

You’ll still need to include the hashtag in the description section of the photo, but maybe you want to keep all the photos involved labelled so that your feed looks more aligned? you decide.

A few helpful hints: 

• Use. The. Hashtag. If you include #READchallenge in all of your photos, they’ll show up when people search the hashtag–and then folks will find you!
• Share your photos with your children or students. Let them know what you’re doing. They’ll think it’s so cool that you’re sharing photos of their favorite books!
• Challenge your friends to join you! The more, the merrier!
• Invite your children or students to help you think of ways to capture each photo topic. For March 8th’s ‘Strong Woman’, who would they recommend? Would they want a photo of a strong woman biography like Rosa Parks or J.K. Rowling? Or maybe the powerful Malala comes to mind? Or do they think that strong-willed Chrysanthemum or Shiela Rae the Brave would be a better choice? Perhaps they’d vote for a book like Girls Who Rocked the World? See how the possibilities are endless?

• Stretch your brain. This is a great exercise in creative thinking. Really. Look at different ways you can interpret each of our daily focus words. Have fun with them!
• Meet some new people! Check out other people’s photos. Definitely play along–click on #READchallenge so that you can see everyone’s photos. Like them, follow them, comment on them. Get social. Take a few minutes to get to know some new educators, parents, students, and book lovers.
• Know that we’re watching, following, and celebrating YOU. Michelle and I will be giving participants regular shout-outs on our social platforms, and who knows what else we’ve got up our sleeves for those of you who really rock this #READchallenge? Hmmmmmm. . .

I almost forgot. . .

Please take a minute to meet my friend Michelle–my talented and amazing co-host!

Michelle currently teaches grade one in the same building as me, but she’s taught Kindergarten in the past. Michelle’s in the process of earning her Masters in Educational Technology and Leadership, and she’s also ESOL certified (so impressive, right?!).

Even more impressive is that Michelle was awarded the title of 2015 Outstanding Teacher of the Year in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Prince George’s County is one of the nation’s top 25 largest school districts, so if your jaw hasn’t hit the floor yet, it should have.

Michelle is currently rocking the Teachers Pay Teachers thing. You can find her at I’m the DIY Teacher, and if you are into emojis, you’ve hit the jackpot with Michelle’s store. Check out her Emoji Behavior Clip Chart or her incredible Lightbox Bundle. Lightboxes are all the rage right now; check out Michelle’s resources and you’ll be set for a long time!

Be sure to follow Michelle on Instagram: @ImtheDIYteacher
Cheers, and happy reading during this incredibly exciting journey!

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