How to Find Summer Reading Programs for Kids

Summer vacation is a great time to get the kids excited about reading. There are so many summer reading programs out there that can help motivate your child. Many of these programs offer prizes and other incentives for participating in their program.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Books
• Library Card
• Markers or Stickers
• Eager Readers

1. Check Your Local Library
   
   Almost all Libraries offer a summer reading program. In our area, my kids get a little trail they get to check off "steps" for every 15 minutes they spend reading. There are prize levels along the path that they can claim along the way. Prizes range from pencils to tickets to local attractions. The nice thing about the library is it is totally free! You can claim your prizes and get more great books without having to buy anything.

2. Inquire with your Child's School
   
   Many schools offer a recommended summer reading list. While this program does not usually come with any incentives, it will help prepare you child for the coming school year. It is also helpful if you are having difficulty finding books that are age appropriate for your child as most of these reading lists are separated by grade.

3. Check Online
   
   Scholastic.com has a summer reading challenge that lets your kids play games, take quizzes and find new books to read through a web platform called "The Stacks". Other book stores such as Borders (www.borders.com) and Barnes and Noble (www.bn.com) will have information about their reading programs online. You can often print out summer reading forms directly from the website to help minimize those costly trips to the mall.

4. Visit your Local Bookstore
   
   Take a trip to your favorite local bookstore and find out what they have going on. Barnes and Noble requires kids to read 8 books, write about their favorite part and then they choose a free book from a list of available titles. The title offerings are pretty solid. Borders also requires your child to read 8 books (no summaries required) for a chance to purchase Reading Challenge items for $4.99. This supposedly amounts to a savings of 50% or more. Don't forget about other local booksellers. In my area, we have a chain of used bookstores called Bookman's that offers amazing programs for kids.

Tips & Warnings

• Involve your child in book selection
• Buy your own little prize incentives to keep things fun
• Don't push too hard
• Involve younger children by having the older ones read aloud to them

[sugaredup]

on 6/9/2009 My kids get so excited about attending our local library's summer reading program. Great article!

[AnneZ]

on 6/2/2009 We set some goals for early readers. Every five books gets a prize of some kind! My son is using his no homework for a week from his teacher this week. Big motivator! 5****

[eclecticprof]

on 5/25/2009 Summer reading programs are a great way to keep learning momentum between years.