We’ve been out of school for just two weeks and we are loving our relaxed, laid-back schedule. Our adventures have already taken us both near and far and we’ve been trying to spend as much time outdoors swimming, biking, and exploring all our city has to offer. Every summer, since my son started school, I’ve incorporated learning activities to keep his mind as active as his body is. His reading progress from the end of Kindergarten to the end of 1st grade has been so profound that he is now sitting for long periods of time reading chapter books. Since we’ve read through our own books too many times to count, we headed over to our local library to pick out a few new ones for those summer evenings when we want to wind down. I knew that our library had a Summer Reading Program, but I quickly learned just how fantastic it is for kids. Along with checking your local library, I’ve put together The Best Summer Reading Programs for Kids, to inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Image: PBS Kids
Public Library: Be sure to check out your local public library’s free summer reading program for kids. Within the OC Public Libraries alone, there are nearly 30 libraries offering free Summer Reading Programs for kids and teens of all ages. Through August 2nd, local Orange County families can register for free at their local public library. Each child will be given a Reading Log which they can complete for incentives and prizes. Your local public library is also a fantastic resource for special events during the summer including crafts, puppet shows, movies, story-time, and more.
OC Fair: Every year, our family makes memories as we laugh, ride, learn, and eat at the OC Fair. The fair offers a number of promotions including their Read & Ride program, which gives children 3 free carnival rides for reading 2 books. This offer is valid July 11th through August 10th and book reports must be submitted to the Information Booth at Centennial Farm to receive the free ride tickets. You can download the book report form for free.
LEGOLAND: As part of LEGOLAND’s Summer Reading Program, children can receive a free ticket to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium or LEGOLAND Water Park with the purchase of a full price Adult Hopper Admission. Coupons can be obtained at your local public library.
Barnes & Noble: Through the Imagination’s Destination Summer Reading Program, kids can earn free books. Kids simply read any eight books then record them in the Reading Journal. Once they have completed the journal, simply bring it to your local Barnes & Noble bookstore and kids can choose their free book from those listed.
Chuck E. Cheese’s: As part of their motivation to help parents instill positive behaviors within their children, Chuck E. Cheese’s offers several Rewards Calendars that emphasize good behaviors. Daily Chores, Homework, Brushing Teeth, and Reading are just a few of the calendars you’ll find online. Throughout the year, parents can download and print these free calendars and mark off the days that their child completes their goals. When all two weeks have been completed, the child can turn it in for 10 free tokens.
Scholastic: The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is a free, online kids reading program that runs through September 5th, 2014. Once kids register online (it’s free!), they can begin logging their time spent reading, completing weekly challenges, and entering to win books when a new weekly milestone is reached.
Pottery Barn: Through July 31st, kids can participate in Pottery Barn’s Summer Reading Challenge. Children who read any 8 books from their recommended list will receive a free book. Kids will have to visit their local store for Weekly Story Time to complete the challenge (typically Tuesdays at 11 am).
Sylvan Book Adventure: This free, online summer reading program is a great way to motivate kids to read. Children in grades K-8 can search for books, read, then come back and take a quiz on what they’ve read to earn prizes.
TD Bank: Inspire a love for reading AND teach your children about saving money through TD Banks’s Summer Reading Program. Once kids have read 10 books, they can print out the Summer Reading Form to log the names of the books they’ve read. Through August 31st, take the completed form to your local TD Bank and receive $10 in a new or existing Young Save account.
Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Summer Reading Challenge: Through August 15th, 2014, kids can register online to participate in this free summer reading program. Once a child has read 5 books, they will be eligible to win prizes.
While I wholeheartedly believe that Summer should allow for some reprieve from the busy school schedule, I also think it’s important for children to maintain their reading skills. Summer Reading Programs that engage, inspire, and reward children can be an invaluable part of the memories that are made with families.
If you know of additional Summer Reading Programs For Kids, I’d love to have you leave them in the comments section.
How do you motivate your children to read in the Summer?
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