March is National Reading Month, which makes it the perfect time to put books at the center of everyday moments.
A new story before bed.
A classroom challenge.
A cozy corner filled with favorite books.
Small reading habits like these can make a big difference. When kids read regularly, they grow their vocabulary, strengthen comprehension and build confidence as readers. Just as important, they begin to see reading as something enjoyable, not just something they have to do.
And that’s where a lifelong love of reading begins.
Fun Ways to Celebrate Reading Month
March is the perfect time to celebrate stories together, and the best part is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small traditions can turn reading into something kids genuinely look forward to—at home or in the classroom.
Here are a few simple ways families and educators can celebrate National Reading Month.
National Reading Month Ideas for Families
Create a cozy reading space
It doesn’t have to be fancy. A few pillows, a soft blanket and a small lamp can transform a quiet corner into a magical reading nook. Kids love having a place that feels like their own little reading hideout.
Let kids choose their books
Choice is a huge motivator. When kids pick the book, they’re far more likely to stick with it. Not sure where to start? We created a collection specifically for National Reading Month! It’s filled with fun, high-interest books kids love—all while sharing diverse perspectives and experiences.
Host family read-aloud nights
Choose a book everyone’s excited about and read it together a little at a time. When a story stretches across several nights, kids start looking forward to the next chapter like the next episode of their favorite show!
Try themed reading weeks
Pick a theme and build your reading around it. One week it might be animals. The next could be mysteries, space, or funny books. Themes help kids discover new types of stories they might not have picked on their own.
National Reading Month Ideas for Educators
Start a classroom reading challenge
Track minutes or books read throughout the month. Watching the numbers grow together can be incredibly motivating for students—and it creates a shared goal the whole class can celebrate. You can even use our classroom Readerpillar and badges to track progress.
Introduce a “genre of the week”
Mystery, biography, science and graphic novels can each get their own spotlight. It’s a simple way to help students explore different kinds of reading and discover new favorites.
Plan a book character day
Invite students to dress as their favorite character and share a little about the book with classmates. It’s amazing how excited kids get when they get to be the character they’ve been reading about.
Get creative with book activities
One of our Epic Educator Ambassadors recently shared that his class goes beyond book reports. Students perform mini talent shows based on stories, reenact scenes, or even host podcast-style discussions about their favorite books.
Pair reading buddies
Older students reading with younger ones can be surprisingly powerful. Younger kids get support and encouragement, while older students build confidence and leadership skills.
Join the Read Across America Challenge with Epic
This March, Epic is teaming up with Beanstack to sponsor the Read Across America Challenge, inviting schools nationwide to celebrate reading, diversity and discovery.
Designed for students in grades PK–8, the challenge encourages kids to explore online books set across the United States while tracking their progress and earning badges along the way.Participating schools can also win prizes, including a virtual visit from Cat Ninja author Matt Cody and new books for their libraries.
Helping Kids Find Online Books They Love
Sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t getting kids to read. It’s helping them find the book that makes them want to keep turning the pages.
That’s where Epic comes in.
With thousands of books, read-alouds, audiobooks and videos, Epic makes it easy for kids to explore stories that match their interests and reading level. From action-packed Cat Ninja adventures to inspiring biographies, there’s something for every reader.
Ready to get started? Try Epic for free and help your child discover their next favorite story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Reading Month?
National Reading Month takes place every March and encourages kids, families, and educators to celebrate the joy of reading.
Schools and libraries often organize reading challenges, book events, and themed activities to help children build strong reading habits and discover stories they love.
How can families celebrate National Reading Month at home?
Families can celebrate by making reading a regular part of everyday routines.
- Create a cozy reading space at home.
- Host family read-aloud nights.
- Let kids choose books that match their interests.
- Start small traditions, like reading together before bedtime.
Even simple activities can help children develop a lifelong love of reading.
What are some classroom activities for National Reading Month?
Teachers can make reading exciting with engaging classroom activities such as:
- Classroom reading challenges.
- Genre-of-the-week book selections.
- Book character dress-up days.
- Reading buddy programs between students.
- Creative storytelling or reenacting scenes from books.
These activities help students interact with stories in fun and memorable ways.
Why is reading regularly important for kids?
Reading regularly supports many aspects of a child’s development.
- Builds vocabulary and language skills.
- Improves comprehension and focus.
- Encourages creativity and imagination.
- Helps children develop empathy by exploring different characters, cultures, and perspectives.
Consistent reading habits help kids grow into confident and curious learners.
What is the Read Across America Challenge?
The Read Across America Challenge is a nationwide reading celebration sponsored by Epic in partnership with Beanstack.
Designed for students in grades PK–8, the challenge invites schools across the country to turn reading into a coast-to-coast adventure. Students explore online books set in real places across the United States, discover new cultures and communities, and earn themed digital badges as they log their reading.
The challenge celebrates the joy of reading online while helping students connect with geography, diversity, and discovery through books.
Who can participate?
Any K–8 school in the United States can participate in the challenge.
Schools can join whether they are existing Beanstack or Epic users—or completely new to both platforms.
When does the challenge take place?
The Read Across America Challenge runs throughout the entire month of March as part of National Reading Month celebrations.
How does Epic help kids discover books they love?
Epic gives kids access to thousands of books, read-alouds, audiobooks, and educational videos designed for young readers.
With a wide range of genres and reading levels, children can easily explore stories that match their interests—from exciting adventures like Cat Ninja to inspiring biographies and engaging mystery books.
This variety helps kids discover new topics and build a lasting love of reading.
