With online reading communities becoming more creative than ever, a few new reading challenges have popped up. Among these is the whole-day readathon, which, as the name implies, challenges booklovers to spend a whole day reading. For the most hardcore, this means reading for 24 hours with no sleep, only taking breaks to eat and use the facilities as necessary. Others choose to spend about 12 hours, their normal waking day, reading as much as possible. Whether you want to try the first version, would rather give the second a go, or fancy something in between, here are some tips for a successful readathon challenge day.
Pick the right day
When you plan your readathon day, make sure to choose a day with few distractions and no prior commitments. If you live with your family, try to do the challenge on a day where they will be gone at work, school, or some other activity. If you ever have a random weekday off of school, this is the best time to schedule your readathon, since everyone else will probably be busy anyway.
Warn the people
Even if you choose the perfect day, it might be a good idea to warn your family and friends, or whoever else will be around you, that you’re going to be busy. That way they know not to distract you, and you can read in peace. Also, your friends might wonder what you’re up to if you don’t answer calls or texts right away.
Choose your material
This is one of the most important steps! You’ll need lots of reading material. Most people choose novels, but you can mix it up with graphic novels, children’s books, literary magazines, nonfiction, textbooks, or any other reading materials. Having a variety of style, subject, and difficulty level can help make the day go by faster.
Get comfy
If you’re spending that much time reading, you’ll need some supplies. First of all, wear your coziest pajamas or sweatpants. You don’t need to look fancy. Set up multiple comfortable spaces in your house where you can read. Changing your location from time to time will help fight boredom. Try reading in your bedroom, living room, outside (if the weather allows), or another area in your home.
Remember to eat (and pee)
Just a friendly reminder: you still need to feed your body! Get your breakfast, lunch and dinner in, eat your veggies, drink your water–you get the picture. If you expect to be so engrossed in your reading that you’ll forget to eat, set an alarm and make easy meals ahead of time. And, of course, put down the book and use the restroom. Save yourself the bladder ache!
Switch it up
Similarly to location, your reading material should vary. If you read a high-level classic novel first, dive into a children’s mystery second, then maybe peruse a poetry anthology, next a gripping thriller or fun fantasy. Give your brain something new!
Enjoy!
Lastly, don’t forget that this challenge is all for fun. Don’t do something if it will stress you out unnecessarily . Reading is amazing, so don’t ruin it for yourself by forcing it.
Happy reading!
Discussion Questions:
- Would you like to do this challenge? If so, how hardcore would you be?
- What kind of material would you read first? Second, third, fourth, and so on?
- Where would you like to read? Describe some of the places you would read in.
