Summer Reading Programs

I can hardly believe it, but this is the last week of school in my community. My son is almost finished with the first grade. He definitely learned a lot this year and I want to make sure that I keep his mind active over the summer.

Next week, we are heading to the library to sign both kids up for the summer reading program. I remember participating in summer reading programs at the library as a child. I was always excited to fill my log sheet with as many books as I could. I remember checking in each month to get prizes for reading - I remember they were simple things, like a coupon for McDonald's. I don't remember specifically what the other prizes were, but what I do know is that I still have a love of reading that I certainly feel was fed by regular reading as a child.

Reading is a great way to keep your children's minds active in the summer. Read chapter books together with your kids and discuss them. Not only does this allow you time to bond, but it helps develop reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Read books that are set somewhere local and take a field trip to the area and see if you can find familiar landmarks from the books. Have your child read a book and then 'retell' you the story in their own words.

Reading time is a great 'down' time for kids. An opportunity to have some alone time and spend some time out of the sun. With a library in most communities, a wide array of books is readily accessible to suit any interest and reading level.

Signing up for reading programs can help to provide added incentive to kids to read. In addition to library reading programs, there are a number of retailers who also offer summer reading programs with benefits:

Barnes and Noble

At Barnes and Noble, keep track of your reading on their reading passport. Read 8 books, and list the title, author and places visited on your reading passport, and receive a free book from a select list - your child can choose any book on the list and is not limited to just those listed for their grade. Also, by completing the program, your child will be entered to win complete set of signed The 39 Clues books. The program is open to children grades 1 - 6 and the completed passport needs to be turned in between 5/25 - 9/7/10.

Borders

Participate in Borders Double Dog Dare summer reading challenge and when you read 10 books and get one for free - choose from 10 books. To me this is an improvement over their program last year that simply offered an item at 50% off. Program is open to kids 12 and under and runs through 8/26/10.

Half Price Books

Half Price Books Feed Your Brain summer reading program offers children, ages 14 and under, a $3 Half Price Books Shopping Card each week that they spend at least 15 minutes per day reading. Program runs through 7/31/10.

This post shared on Works For Me Wednesday.