Rituals play a powerful role in building a strong classroom community. Research shows that consistent, meaningful rituals foster a sense of belonging, reduce student anxiety, and reinforce high expectations for learning (Haile, A. J., 2025). In classrooms where rituals are intentional, students feel connected to their learning.
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit a Read Side by Side school in Naples, Florida. After two days of coaching and training work, I packed my bags to head back to Seattle, thinking about Mrs. Kornblue and Mrs. Kaminski’s third grade classes, who were preparing to celebrate the end of Maniac Magee with a read-in. I wished I could stay to be a part of it. The teachers had gone to great lengths to make the experience special––even bringing in butterscotch Krimpets, a food featured in the book. Imagine my excitement when I realized I had accidentally left my laptop behind and needed to return to the school on my way to the airport!
The read-in is one of the most beloved rituals in the Read Side by Side Reading Program for grades 3–8. Throughout each unit, students build reading momentum; they start slowly as they gather key details, then increase their pace as they move through the middle of the text. In the final quadrant, they are given an uninterrupted time to read all the way to the end. As I’ve written before, “Students feel as though we have closed a door to the outside world so that we can linger in the enjoyment of reading” (Collinge, 2022).
Teachers often transform this final lesson into a celebration of reading. Some bring in themed treats, others invite students to wear pajamas or bring stuffed animals, and some even dress as characters from the book. These moments not only honor the text but also reinforce reading as a joyful, collaborative experience.
Below are ideas, shared by teachers, for celebrating each of the books in the 3–8 program.
3rd Grade
Poppy (Unit 3.1)
During the Poppy unit, students read about backyard and nocturnal animals. Special characters in the book include a field mouse, porcupine, and owl. Celebrate the read-in day by letting students bring in a favorite stuffed animal to hold on their lap during the read-in. Encourage them to bring in a forest animal or nocturnal creature.
The War with Grandpa (Unit 3.2)
During The War with Grandpa, students learn to appreciate the special relationship between a child and grandparent or older mentor. Some teachers invite “grandparents” to the classroom for the read-in day. After finishing the book together, students take their loved one to lunch and recess.
If that sounds too complicated, here is another idea! In the book, Peter enjoys playing the classic board game Risk with his friends. After the read-in, celebrate with a board game party. Let students bring a favorite game from home or provide classic 1980’s boardgames for students to play.
Martin Luther King Jr. (Unit 3.3)
The book Martin Luther King Jr. teaches us to respond to conflict peacefully and show love and kindness to our neighbors. Dress up in clothing that symbolizes peace, love and kindness.
Glory Be (Unit 3.4)
Glory’s birthday is on the Fourth of July! Celebrate the read-in with patriotic outfits of red, white, and blue. Serve popsicles or birthday cake.
Maniac Magee (Unit 3.5)
Special foods are introduced throughout the book Maniac Magee. To celebrate your read-in, provide butterscotch Krimpets or pizza from “Cobbles Corners”.
4th Grade
Shiloh (Unit 4.1)
On the Shiloh read-in day, let students bring in a stuffed animal dog to hold on their lap during the read-in. For a special treat, serve Scooby Snacks.
Castle in the Attic (Unit 4.2)
In The Castle in the Attic, students learn about knights, castles, and mythical creatures. Celebrate finishing the book with a medieval dress up day. Let students bring in a stuffed animal of a mythical creature.
Streams to the River, River to the Sea (Unit 4.3)
What foods did the Corps of Discovery eat on their journey west? Your students probably would not enjoy eating the foods they ate: bison, deer, roots, berries, and candles! Instead, serve a modern trail food such as trail mix. Some teachers enjoy rewatching The Great Journey West after finishing the read-in.
Children of the Gold Rush (Unit 4.4)
Not everyone who traveled to the Yukon struck gold. But it would be fun to bring some chocolate coins for your class to eat during the read-in!
Aurore of the Yukon (Unit 4.5)
It is cold in the Yukon! On the read-in day for Aurore of the Yukon, serve hot chocolate or sit by the “crackling fire”.
5th Grade
Earthquake Terror (Unit 5.1)
Sit next to a crackling “camp fire” during the Earthquake Terror read-in. Wear clothes you would wear if you were camping. While trying to stay alive during a disastrous earthquake, Jonathan and Abby long to drink a pineapple milk shake! Have you ever tried one? Serve them during your read-in!
Holes (Unit 5.2)
The boys at Camp Greenlake must wear bright orange jump suits. Encourage students to dress in orange for the read-in. There are several mentions of food throughout the book Holes. Mr. Sir’s sunflower seeds, Kissin’ Kate Barlow’s famous peach nectar, Zero’s ice cream sundae, and (not in the book but a good one) girl scout cookies! Serve one of these foods on the read-in day.
Chains (Unit 5.3)
British tea became the symbol of unfair “taxation without representation”. Serve hot or iced tea during the Chains read-in.
Kids at Work (Unit 5.4)
On the read-in day for Kids at Work, students can dress in an outfit representing what they want to be when they grow up.
The City of Ember (Unit 5.5)
In the book The City of Ember, Lina and Doon find the candles left behind by the builders. Turn out the lights and read by “candle light” (battery operated candles or flashlights).
6th Grade
The Westing Game (Unit 6.1)
The Westing Game was inspired by America’s bicentennial. On the read-in day, dress in red, white, and blue. For another dress up idea inspired by the opening scene: Let your students wear a Halloween costume on the read-in day.
Children of the Dust Bowl (Unit 6.2)
Children of the Dust Bowl talks about the Okies who traveled to California in hopes of working on the farms during the Great Depression. On the read-in day, students might dress as a farmer.
Esperanza Rising (Unit 6.3)
The donkey pinata in Chapter 10 of Esperanza Rising, symbolizes hope, joy, and resilience. After the read-in, celebrate with a pinata party.
Middle School
The Secret Garden (Volume 1)
In The Secret Garden, the garden symbolizes rebirth and personal growth. Celebrate finishing the book with a garden party. Bring in flowers or have students plant seeds. Dress in garden inspired clothing.
A Christmas Carol (Volume 2)
The book A Christmas Carol is set during the Christmas holiday. Read next to a “crackling fire”. Dress in the spirit of Christmas.
All Thirteen (Volume 3)
The story tells about the amazing survival of the Thai soccer team who became trapped in a cave. All they had with them were flashlights. Turn out the lights on the read-in day and read by flashlight.
Read more about the read-in ritual in the book Raising the Standards Through Chapter Books.
Are you looking for a reading program to increase motivation and achievement?
We are confident the Read Side by Side Reading Program will be the right fit for your next curriculum adoption! To learn more about the program and request a sample kit, connect with one of our advisors!
Written by Sarah Collinge
Founder and President
