When it comes to building a thriving reading culture in the classroom, friendly competition might just be the secret to reaching the next level of reading engagement. From traveling trophies to lighthearted rivalries, schools and districts across the country are finding creative ways to tap into the power of competition and seeing big results.
Here are five powerful ways educators use friendly competition to fuel a love of reading—and how you can, too.
1. Celebrate Top Students, Classes, and Grades
Whether it's class vs. class or a grade-level showdown, sparking friendly competition among peer groups is a powerful way to boost motivation and participation.
At Dutchman Creek Middle School in South Carolina, librarian Amy McMichael found that inter-class challenges sparked fun rivalries and boosted engagement. The competitions created a shared sense of purpose—and fun—among students and teachers alike.
At Ventura Elementary in Florida, media specialist Taryn Kalsch created a buzz by updating a school leaderboard display weekly. Students worked hard to snag the top slot and see their name prominently displayed.
Takeaway: Make student and class achievements visible through leaderboards, displays, or announcements to build excitement, strengthen community, and motivate continued participation.
2. Make it a Tradition with Traveling Trophies
Add a tangible (and fun!) symbol of success, and you’ll amplify motivation.
At Bethune Academy in Wisconsin, media specialist Leigh Knapp introduced traveling trophies for the top-reading classes. Each trimester, the trophy is awarded to a new winner, and classes rally to win it back, making reading a celebrated part of the school year.
The Farmington R-7 School District in Missouri took this idea districtwide, and each building puts their spin on competition. At the middle school, students competed for the quirky “Super Bean” trophy—an actual can of beans that became a symbol of pride. At the high school level, top readers earned scholarships, and ELA teachers joined in, making reading challenges an all-school affair.
Takeaway: Introduce a traveling trophy, a symbolic prize, or a school tradition to turn reading into a lasting source of pride and fun.
3. Involve Teachers For a Boost
When teachers are engaged and recognized, their enthusiasm spreads and student participation increases.
At Rolling Hills Elementary in Florida, librarian Meghan Murphy included updates in the weekly school news, highlighting teachers who encouraged student participation. "When other teachers saw their colleagues getting recognized, they wanted to be part of it too."
At Dobie9 Campus in Texas, media specialist Kimberly McCalla includes teachers in every challenge. They participate alongside students and even earn the same prizes. This gets teachers comfortable using Beanstack and increases buy-in.
Takeaway: Include staff in reading competitions to build schoolwide energy and set a strong example for students. Supercharge your efforts by celebrating and rewarding teachers alongside students.
4. Lean into District Challenges
Why limit the fun to one school? At Robstown Independent School District in Texas, Jessica Juarez, director of instructional technology, found that districtwide reading challenges helped schools connect and grow together. Using Beanstack, all campuses could view each other's progress and push one another toward greater reading achievements.
Dobie9 Campus joins district-wide challenges as part of Pasadena ISD. Students and staff participate in a winter reading challenge sponsored by Chick-fil-A. Winning schools are celebrated widely (and loudly!) with a visit from the marching band and free lunches for top readers.
Takeaway: Districtwide competitions encourage more reading, unify schools around a shared goal, and elevate reading as a community value.
5. Let Recognition be the Reward
Friendly competition can spark big energy when students go head-to-head with their peers.
At Seneca Middle School in South Carolina, librarian Cassie Moore set up a grade-level competition and announced winners during morning announcements. With each new round, student excitement grew as they raced to out-read other grades, all for the joy of bragging rights.
At Bethune Academy, end-of-trimester awards ceremonies feature reading challenge winners alongside academic and behavior honorees. Leigh announces the winners live on the mic, with students cheering each other on.
Takeaway: Recognize and celebrate reading progress publicly—often the pride, not the prize, that fuels growth.
Ready to Spark a Reading Rivalry?
Whether you’re launching a trophy battle or a districtwide challenge, friendly competition is one of the most effective (and joyful!) ways to engage students and staff in reading.
Beanstack makes it easy to set up class, grade, school, or district competitions that are trackable, customizable, and fun. Want help getting started? Reach out to our team, and we’ll help you launch a competition that gets everyone reading—and rooting—for one another.