In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, fostering a love for reading among students can be challenging, especially for those who struggle with literacy, including students with dyslexia. At Learning Ally, we believe every student deserves the chance to be seen as a reader, and our Great Reading Games initiative is designed to motivate and celebrate learners of all abilities.
What are the Great Reading Games?
The Great Reading Games initiative is an annual, nationwide reading competition that takes place from mid-January through February, culminating with an event that coincides with Read Across America Day. The competition was envisioned many years ago to inspire students to pick up books and read by introducing friendly competition. The driving force behind this initiative is the leaderboard that encourages students and teachers to check their standings daily and fuels the motivation to read more.
The Impact of Audiobooks in Literacy Education
Learning Ally provides an extensive catalog of human-read audiobooks, offering students access to the complex language and storytelling found in novels and curriculum-aligned content. By incorporating audiobooks, the Great Reading Games empowers learners who struggle with decoding text, allowing them to engage with rich and diverse literature that builds their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Reading Success Stories from the Field
Educators like Tiffany Dudley have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of Learning Ally’s programs. Tiffany’s involvement with the Great Reading Games began during her tenure as a library media specialist in Texas. She discovered that students loved participating in reading contests, often motivated by the idea of seeing their progress visualized through charts, stickers, and schoolwide announcements.
Tiffany shared that reluctant readers, initially hesitant to join, gradually became enthusiastic as they recognized their achievements. For example, one student who previously disliked reading proudly completed 56 pages of a book, became a driving force in encouraging his peers to participate, and continued to share his progress with pride.
Creating a Culture of Reading
The Great Reading Games isn’t just about instilling a temporary habit; it aims to create a culture of reading where students see themselves as lifelong readers and writers. By connecting students with authors during Read Across America Day, they can engage in meaningful conversations that demystify the writing process and inspire them to believe in themselves as potential authors.
Get Involved: Make a Difference Today
If you’re an educator or parent, we invite you to explore the enriching experience the Great Reading Games offers. Our team at Learning Ally, including dedicated professionals like Tiffany Dudley, is ready to provide the necessary support and resources to ignite the reading flame in students across the United States. Become a part of a movement that recognizes and celebrates readers of all types, reshaping the narrative for students who once struggled to triumph in the world of books.
On March 4, 2025 teachers and parents are encouraged to embark on a literacy journey with author Krista Weltner at Learning Ally’s Great Reading Games Author Event! She’ll share her picture book series, Everyday Adventures with Molly and Dyslexia, inspired by her own experiences with dyslexia. This virtual event offers an inspiring look at storytelling, creativity, and the power of literacy in the classroom.
Register for Great Reading Games Author Event
At Learning Ally, we are committed to changing students’ outlooks and life trajectories, one page at a time. Join us on this empowering journey to uplift every reader, ensuring they are celebrated in their educational institutions and beyond.
FAQs for the Great Reading Games and Learning Ally
What are the Great Reading Games, and how do they work?
The Great Reading Games is an annual, nationwide reading competition designed to motivate students to read more and improve their literacy skills. Running from mid-January through February, the competition uses a leaderboard to encourage friendly competition among students and schools. Points are earned based on daily reading time, pages read, and other metrics, with prizes awarded to top performers.
Who can participate in the Great Reading Games?
The competition is open to students of all reading abilities, including those with dyslexia or other reading challenges. Educators and schools can register their students, and parents can support participation by encouraging daily reading at home using Learning Ally’s resources.
How do audiobooks help struggling readers during the competition?
Learning Ally provides an extensive library of human-read audiobooks that allow students who struggle with decoding text to access rich literature and curriculum-aligned content. These audiobooks help build vocabulary, comprehension skills, and confidence by providing an alternative way to engage with complex texts.
What are some success stories from the Great Reading Games?
Educators have reported transformative outcomes, such as reluctant readers becoming enthusiastic participants. For example, one student who initially disliked reading completed 56 pages of a book during the games and inspired his peers to join in. Such stories highlight how the program fosters a love for reading and builds a culture of literacy. Find more stories like this at The Learning Ally Literacy Leadership Podcast.
How can educators and parents get involved in the Great Reading Games?
Educators can register their schools for the competition through Learning Ally’s platform and encourage students by setting up daily reading schedules. Parents can support by installing the Learning Ally app at home and motivating their children to read regularly. Additionally, both educators and parents can participate in special events like author sessions to further inspire students.