Other schools select spring and look to teachers to create summer reading lists in conjunction with the sale. An academic marathon is just as easy as a walkathon for a neighborhood school. You are also encouraging learning, and that in itself is a great outcome. Here are some sample academic marathons. Knowledgeathons Students are given 100 age-appropriate facts and two months to learn them, after which they are quizzed by a teacher or parent volunteer.
Sponsors make pledges to donate an amount for each learned fact.
You can also encourage a flat donation. For example, first graders might be asked to learn the colors in their state flag, the life cycle of a butterfly, or the names of two string instruments. You can reward students with T-shirts, books, or special outings. Those that get all 100 facts correct might have their names published in the school newsletter or be invited to a special luncheon. Not only do readathons generate revenue, they generate enthusiasm for reading.