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Madison Metropolitan School District

Mad for Reading

Mad for reading - student listening to a book
Mad for reading - student looking up from a book

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is committed to amplifying the brilliance of all students. MMSD is proud to launch our citywide "Mad for Reading" program to deepen the joy, excitement and fundamental importance of literacy and bi-literacy. Literacy is not only a gateway to understanding and interacting with the world, it is the core of everything we do.

Through this program, we highlight MMSD's unwavering commitment to the educational success of our students and Madison's shared commitment to literacy. “Mad for Reading” is a powerful tool that drives engagement and success in the district’s broader educational goals.

In the coming months, get immersed in a world of possibilities. From thrilling reading challenges that ignite your competitive spirit to captivating author visits that bring stories to life, Mad for Reading has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • All-City Reads unites us as we delve into the pages of a shared book, sparking discussions and forging connections across our vibrant community.
  • Or imagine the joy of coming together for lively Book Clubs, where voices are heard and perspectives are valued.
  • Prepare for enchanting evenings filled with wonder at our Family Literacy Nights, where storytelling and creativity intertwine to create unforgettable memories for young and old alike.
  • Embrace the digital realm with our curated Digital Reading Resources and ignite your imagination with just the click of a button. Discover new worlds, learn new skills and embrace the power of community.
  • Mark your calendars for our Community Literacy Events. Join neighbors and friends to celebrate the magic of reading and the boundless opportunities it brings.

So, families and community members, gear up for a journey like no other. Together, let's dive into the wonder of words, the joy of storytelling, and the endless adventures that await within the pages of a book. Get ready to be “Mad for Reading!”

MMSDtv

 

Missed the MAD for Reading Kickoff Event Press Conference? Watch it now on YouTube!

 

Watch on YouTube

Mad for Reading Newsletter Editions:

Issue 1

Issue 2

Issue 3

Issue 4

Photos from Mad for Reading Kick-Off Event

free books for students
a family smiling at the mad for reading photobooth
student coloring a bookmark at mad for reading event.
Dr. Gothard talking with a family at the mad for reading event.
a student looking at a book at the mad for reading event
speaker speaking at mad for reading press conference
student giving a book review
student smiling and showing off a free book.
speaker speaking at mad for reading press conference
Group of people listening to speaker at mad for reading event.
a student picking out a book at the mad for reading event
students sitting on the floor reading a book
Dr. Gothard speaking at the mad for reading event.
a speaker speaking at the mad for reading event.
United way representatives smiling.
A group of community members smiling.
Two MMSD employees hugging at mad for reading event.
backdrop for the mad for reading photobooth
a student smiling with props at mad for reading photobooth
family smiling at the mad for reading photobooth
associate superintendent smiling at mad for reading photobooth
a community member smiling at the mad for reading photobooth
board member smiling in front of the mad for reading photobooth
two staff members smiling at the mad for reading event
a group of people smiling at the mad for reading photobooth
a student smiling at the mad for reading photobooth.
a family smiling at the mad for reading photobooth.
a family smiling at the mad for reading photobooth.
MMSD employees smiling at the mad for reading photobooth.
a student smiling at the mad for reading photobooth.
a student smiling at the mad for reading photobooth.
a student smiling at the mad for reading photobooth.
Group photo with Dr. Gothard at the mad for reading event

As we embark on this literary adventure, we invite families and community members to join us in fostering a love for reading that knows no bounds. Sign Up to be part of the Mad for Reading Movement and help write our next Chapter

Monthly Book Lists and Activities

Mad for Reading - Black History Month Book Suggestions

Mad for Reading Black History Month Book List

 

Hispanic Heritage Month Book Suggestions

Hispanic Heritage Month Reading Lists

 

Mad for Reading Kickoff Month - A World of Words Book Suggestions

A World of Words Book List

 

Mad for Reading Customizable Bookmark - Fall

coloring bookmark

 

Native American Month Book Suggestions

Mad for reading logo on Native American pattern

 

Mad for Reading Customizable Bookmark - Winter

Winter colarable bookmark

 

Disability/Ability Awareness Month Book Suggestions

Disability/Ability Awareness month book lists

 

Monthly Reading Bingo Card

Bingo Card

 

Download and Print (English, Spanish, Hmong)

Mad for Reading

 

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Sunday, January 26
Monday, January 27
Tuesday, January 28
Book Fix Kick Off
All Day
LaFollette LMC
Anana Battle of the Books Competition
-
Anana LMC
Muir Battle of the Books Competition
-
John Muir Elementary School, 6602 Inner Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA
Nuestro Mundo 5th Grade Battle of the Books Competition
-
Nuestro Mundo Community School, 4201 Buckeye Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA
Literary Lancers Book Club
-
LaFollette LMC
East Feeders Battle of the Books 4th & 5th Grade
-
Emerson Elementary School, 2421 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Van Hise Battle of the Books Competition
-
Van Hise LMC
Elvehjem Celebration of Learning
-
Elvehjem Elementary School, 5106 Academy Dr, Madison, WI 53716, USA
Wednesday, January 29
Mendota Battle of the Books Competition
-
Mendota Elementary School, 4002 School Rd, Madison, WI 53704, USA
LaFollette Read It and See It Book Club
-
La Follette High School, 702 Pflaum Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA
Thursday, January 30
Nuestro Mundo 4th Grade Battle of the Books Competition
-
Nuestro Mundo Community School, 4201 Buckeye Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA
Marquette Battle of the Books Competition
-
Marquette Elementary School, 1501 Jenifer St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Southside Battle of the Books
-
Southside LMC
Friday, January 31
Lake View Battle of the Books
All Day
Lake View LMC
Hawthorne Battle of the Books Competition
-
Hawthorne Elementary School, 3344 Concord Ave, Madison, WI 53714, USA
Gompers Battle of the Books Competition
-
Gompers Library
Saturday, February 1
Sunday, February 2
Monday, February 3
Tuesday, February 4
Elvehjem 4th Grade Battle of the Books
-
Elvehjem Cafeteria
Thoreau 5th Grade Battle of the Books Competition
-
Thoreau Elementary LMC
Hawthorne Literacy Night
-
Hawthorne Elementary School, 3344 Concord Ave, Madison, WI 53714, USA
Wednesday, February 5
Elvehjem 5th Grade Battle of the Books
-
Elvehjem LMC
Henderson 4th & 5th Grade Battle of the Books
-
Henderson LMC
Schenk Battle of the Books Competition
-
Schenk Elementary School, 230 Schenk St, Madison, WI 53714, USA
Kennedy Battle of the Books Competition
-
Kennedy LMC
Memorial Feeder Regional Battle of the Books Competition
-
John Muir Elementary School, 6602 Inner Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA
Thursday, February 6
Thoreau 4th Grade Battle of the Books Competition
-
Thoreau Elementary LMC
Virtual Author Talk: Discerning the Truth with Marie Lu (6th-8th grade)
-
Book Break app in Classlink
Friday, February 7
Henderson Read Your Heart Out Celebration
All Day
Henderson Elementary School, 1201 Tompkins Dr, Madison, WI 53716, USA
Drop Everything and Read @ Sandburg
-
Sandburg Elementary School, 4114 Donald Dr, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Saturday, February 8
Sunday, February 9
Monday, February 10
Midvale Read Your Heart Out Celebration
All Day
Midvale Elementary School, 502 Caromar Dr, Madison, WI 53711, USA
Randall 5th Grade Battle of the Books
-
Randall Elementary Cafeteria
Randall 4th Grade Battle of the Books
-
Randall Elementary Cafeteria
Tuesday, February 11
Mendota Read Your Heart Out
All Day
Mendota Elementary School, 4002 School Rd, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Virtual Author Talk: Delving Deep Inside with Erin Entrada Kelly
-
Book Break app in Classlink
Virtual Author Talk: Delving Deep Inside with Erin Entrada Kelly
-
Book Break app in Classlink
Muir Family Literacy Night
-
John Muir Elementary School, 6602 Inner Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA
Wednesday, February 12
Madison Reading Project Free Book Fair @ ORE
All Day
Orchard Ridge Elementary School, 5602 Russett Rd, Madison, WI 53711, USA
Thursday, February 13
Friday, February 14
Emerson Read your Heart Out
All Day
Emerson Elementary School, 2421 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Lake View Read Your Heart Out
All Day
Lake View Elementary School, 1802 Tennyson Ln, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Lapham Read Your Heart Out Celebration
All Day
Lapham Elementary School, 1045 E Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
LVM Read Your Heart Out
All Day
Elvehjem Elementary School, 5106 Academy Dr, Madison, WI 53716, USA
Southside Read Your Heart Out
All Day
Southside Elementary School, 501 E Badger Rd, Madison, WI 53713, USA
Friendship Day Read-In
-
Mendota Elementary School, 4002 School Rd, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Saturday, February 15
Sunday, February 16
Monday, February 17
Tuesday, February 18
Madison Reading Project Free Book Fair @ Kennedy
All Day
Kennedy Elementary School, 221 Meadowlark Dr, Madison, WI 53714, USA
Wednesday, February 19
Thursday, February 20
Crestwood Read Your Heart Out Celebration
All Day
Crestwood Elementary School, 5930 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, WI 53705, USA
Kennedy Read Your Heart Out Celebration
All Day
Kennedy Elementary School, 221 Meadowlark Dr, Madison, WI 53714, USA
Madison Reading Project Free Book Fair @ Muir
All Day
John Muir Elementary School, 6602 Inner Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA
Marquette Read Your Heart Out Celebration
All Day
Marquette Elementary School, 1501 Jenifer St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Hawthorne Read Your Heart Out Celebration
-
Hawthorne Elementary School, 3344 Concord Ave, Madison, WI 53714, USA
Muir Read Your Heart Out and Dance!
-
John Muir Elementary School, 6602 Inner Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA
Friday, February 21
Saturday, February 22
Sunday, February 23
Monday, February 24
Tuesday, February 25
Wednesday, February 26
Madison Reading Project Free Book Fair @ Crestwood
All Day
Crestwood Elementary School, 5930 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, WI 53705, USA
Thursday, February 27
Hot Chocolate Social & Free Book Fair @ O'Keeffe
-
Georgia O'Keeffe Middle School, 510 S Thornton Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Friday, February 28
Madison Reading Project Free Book Fair @ Lake View
All Day
Lake View Elementary School, 1802 Tennyson Ln, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Saturday, March 1

Literacy in Action…

Looking for Something to Do… Madison Public Library is Offering the Following FREE Opportunities:

Local Tutoring Resources

Madison Public Library is dedicated to supporting students' academic success by connecting families with a variety of local tutoring resources in the Madison area. We offer information on school and community-based programs, free tutoring services, and private tutoring options to cater to diverse learning needs. Whatever your needs are, there is sure to be a resource perfect for you! Plus, kids can sign up for 1-on-1 writing help with Madison Writing Assistance's trained writing coaches for FREE at various library locations starting on February 3 when the service returns. 

Parent & Teen Night Program

February 5, 12, 19 | Hawthorne Library

Madison Public Library is partnering with the UW Office of Extension to offer a multi-session Parent & Teen Program at Hawthorne Library in early February. Parents will learn skills to help engage and encourage teen development, while teens and tweens (working in a separate space), will be building life skills around communication, time management, and more. All participants will enjoy some light refreshments throughout the evening. Registration is required for these programs, and each sessions will cover something different, so we encourage you to sign up for all three sessions if you're able. 

A students smiling while listening to instruction

What is the Science of Reading?

The science of reading is the converging evidence of what matters and what works in literacy instruction, organized around models that describe how and why.

Learn More

Three sudents picking out books in the library

Early Literacy and Beyond Task Force

MMSD and the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education formed a joint task force focused on analyzing the most promising approaches to teaching reading and literacy.

Learn More

The science of reading is a collection of scientifically-based research about how children best learn to read. Learn more about Evidence-Based Reading Strategies as it relates to the 2023 Wisconsin Act 20.