Reading Revolution Week

October 13 – 17, 2025

Reading Revolution Week in Virginia, October 13-17, 2025, leading up to Yorktown Victory Day (October 19, 2025), will be the week designated for the Reading Revolution to encourage volunteers to read to our students about the people, places, and events of the Revolutionary era, freedom and democracy, the Constitution, or civic principles  that founded this great nation.

How To Participate

1. Plan your visit and inquire about –
   • Registration for Reading Revolution volunteers
   • Schedule
   • Parking for Reading Revolution volunteers
   • Grade levels
   • Available books to read
2. Before you go – 
   • Plan to spend 20-30 minutes to read to the students.
   • Choose stories or texts that respond to students’ interests and grade levels.
   • Read through your selection to ensure that you are familiar with the text so it will be easier to showcase the illustrations to students while reading.
3. Guidance about how to read to students
   • Hold the book so the students can see the pages clearly.
   • Allow time for students to study the pictures during the reading, make comments, and ask questions about the story.
   • Involve the students by having them point out objects, talk about the pictures, or repeat frequently used words.
   • Read with expression and point out parts of the story you noticed or especially liked.
   • Vary the pace of your reading–slow or fast.
   • Be enthusiastic about books and encourage discussion about the story.
   • Ask the students questions about what is going on and encourage them to predict what will come next.
4. Show your pride –
   • Consider taking a selfie with the school mascot, school sign, or logo for the school website.
   • Use social media tags for VA250.
   • Avoid taking pictures of or with students.
   • If you brought a book to read, consider donating the book to the school’s library

Helpful Tips

1. Talk with educators to develop a plan – 
   • develop a communication and logistics plan;
   • decide which teachers want to host volunteers for the Reading Revolution, how many volunteers your school will need, which day(s) during the week will classrooms host reading volunteers;
   • develop a schedule; and,
   • encourage your PTA get involved with planning, communication, and the day.
2. Communicate with and reach out – Communicate with local historical societies, colleges and universities’ teacher education programs, high school juniors and seniors, public libraries, and local museums to join the Reading Revolution in your school.
3. Encourage volunteers to register and confirm – Utilize a system for registration that is easy and convenient for your volunteers and follow-up with a confirmation of the date and time to ensure all classes are covered.
4. Welcome volunteers – Secure a group of volunteers to serve throughout the day by welcoming others to the event; by explaining the purpose and schedule; and, answering questions about the event. Think about having extra books on hand. Some volunteers may bring books at the wrong age or grade level, books that are too long, or books that are not good for reading aloud that you will want to switch out before reading.
5. Develop clear expectations – All communications and logistics need to be clear and concise such as –
   • How to register for reading days
   • Where to park on that day
   • Where to sign-in
   • How long does it take to read to the students?
   • How many classes and what grade levels?
6. Show your pride – Encourage your volunteers to take a selfie with the school mascot, school sign or logo, and their Revolutionary Book to post on the school website. Use social media tags for VA250.