Summer reading programs for kids are designed to keep kids reading during the summer months while they’re away from school. They’re usually run by local libraries who will set up reading schedules, meeting times and even prizes for kids who read all of the books! You can also check out your local bookstore or create your own version for your family.
The Benefits of Summer Reading Programs For Kids
In the kids’ eyes, there are a huge number of benefits to taking part in this type of program. Although most kids don’t like the idea of being forced to “work” during their holidays, they do like the idea of the rewards they can get by taking part in reading programs! Most reading programs offer incentives and rewards such as gift certificates, bookmarks or school supplies. And it’s also a good opportunity to spend time with other kids.
You can also turn your summer reading program into a themed event to make it more fun and enticing. Try reading all the books by the same author, reading a specific series, or books in the same genre but written by different authors. Follow your kids’ directions and let them be the guide.
My 9 year old is a horse lover and her grandmother found a series of books called Canterwood Crest by Jessica Burkhart
For schools, there are many additional benefits to encouraging students to join a reading program. For a start, it keeps kids learning during the long weeks in which they’re away from school. It helps to keep kids in the habit of reading regularly, which in turn will help them absorb new words and knowledge, which in turn helps cut down on the amount of review needed in September. And, by using organized programs, kids can often get the books for free from their local library, with a reading schedule that’s already laid out for you in advance.
For parents, the new books and incentives will keep the kids busy during the day so we can get some work done! Set up 30 minute increments using the kitchen timer so you can check your emails or write an article while they’re reading. Personally, I work much more quickly under deadline and it’s amazing how much I can do in 30 minutes before the timer goes off!
Finding Local Summer Reading Programs For Kids
The best place to start is with your local library. Find out if they’re offering any reading programs and, if so, for what age groups. Do this ahead of time so that your child can join in from the very beginning. Other places to check with include your child’s school and local universities.
Some of the larger bookstore chains also run summer reading programs for kids. They’re free to join but their meetings, or story times, are inside the store so your kids might start asking to buy new books as opposed to borrowing them from the library. That could also serve as an incentive to sticking with the summer reading program: a brand new book to add to their bookshelves at the end of the summer.
For those kids who prefer to use an ereader, you don’t need to go broke buying books for download. If your library has a website, they most likely have a way to “borrow” ebooks. As always, be diligent with what titles your child downloads, even from the library. My teen’s favorite author writes very dark, depressing books and even though they’re bestsellers, we put a limit on how many she can read.
Life is hard enough without filling your free reading with depressing stories, don’t you think? Especially when the main characters are her age and getting into all sorts of awful trouble.
Starting Your Own Summer Reading Program
If you live in an area without a library or any summer reading programs for kids then you may consider starting your own if there is enough interest among your neighbors and friends. You’ll need to choose a place to meet, and decide how long you want the reading program to last (usually up to two months).
Before you get going, decide on the specific books you’ll want to include in your reading program. Go online to find summer reading lists if you’re not sure where to begin. You could offer rewards to kids who read all of the set books, or it could be less formal and simply a time to discuss what they’ve read, similar to a book club meeting.
You could also keep things very informal within your family and let your children determine how many books to read and the titles. My kids give me LOTS of resistance if I get too bossy and lay out the rules so this is something you could easily put them in charge of. They can make progress charts, keep track of their progress by using colorful stickers from the dollar store, and they can give you a weekly update on their progress while you eat dinner.
Certainly summer reading programs are not just limited to the children! Since kids often imitate their parents’ behavior, why not make a point of choosing a book to read and lead by example? I know that’s tough when you’re trying to get work done but instead of watching television at night, dedicate 20-30 minutes before bed as family reading time.
Even if you choose a cookbook to read for your weekly meal planning, the kids will still see you reading.
Making summer reading fun is important but whatever you do, you’ll be offering great value to the kids by creating your own version of a summer reading program.
Here are some more free resources for summer reading programs:
Family Literacy & You
Scholastic Summer Challenge
Nice post and great idea of summer reading programs for kids.You have given very good advice to go online and find summer reading list and I think it gives idea to many readers who live in a area without library.
Our local library system has created a cooperative project with a farm supply company this summer. For every 10 hours a kid reads and logs, they will feed a pet that does not have a home. I’ve also been known to alternate my choice of book for my kid with my kid’s choice of book and then after each book is done, my kid has to write a summary. Sometimes that blows up in my face, though. Like this time it was my choice and I told him had to do Shakespeare, like the “No Fear Shakespeare”. We have yet to get a book….
What awesome recommendations Christina.
As you know, my girls ride horses too; so thank your daughter for introducing the Canterwood Crest series to them!
Last, every summer I update lists of Free Summer Reading Programs, some strictly online, so here’s 2011 list: http://americanmuslimmom.com/free-summer-reading-programs-2011-free-prizes-reading-lists