Day 58 - Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

I love to read. My kids are learning to love to read, but usually enjoy being read to more. That's fine with me, though. A love for books has to start somewhere.

There are some great summer reading programs out there. Barnes & Noble's program is super simple. You pick up a reading log from the store (or print one here), read 8 books, fill it out, and return it for a free book (from a limited selection). The reading log sort of implies that the program is for elementary school aged children but it doesn't specify any age restrictions in the terms. It also doesn't specify the type of length of books the kids have to read. We've been listening to Percy Jackson on our road trips, so they all have some pretty long ones on there, but I did let them add quick books they've read that are way below their reading levels. 

Here are some tips from an earlier post about getting kids to read this summer.

Day 14 - Summer Reading Program Kick-Off

The Downtown Chandler Library hosted a superhero party to kick-off this year's summer reading program, Be A Hero. They had games, face painting, crafts, balloon twisters, and a photo booth.

Reading with Kids (and earning minutes for the reading programs)

When we have long road trips, we try to listen to audio books. We try choose ones that have appeal to us and the kids. Last summer we finished the Harry Potter series while traveling. This year, we are starting The Book of Three and if we like it, we'll continue with that series.

Let the kids choose books they are interested in. Kid One decided for some reason she really wants to read the Captain Underpants series. Kid Two, although he is a great reader, still prefers picture books. I'm not picky about what they read. I think if they are reading, that's great.

All the kids, even the older ones, love to be read to. I try to stop what I'm doing when the little ones ask me to read to them in the day. My husband or I also read to the kids every night before bed.

Every morning at breakfast we have scripture study time as a family. All reading counts toward reading minutes, and reading the scriptures also help us start out the day on the right foot.

I also like the have the older kids read to the younger ones. Sometimes I even bribe them by making it their chore for the day. Both the older and younger kids are occupied and both get extra reading time.

Kid One loves getting rewards, so she gets really into the different summer reading programs. This library program officially started on Monday and she has already earned a free book. Luckily there are still prizes to earn to keep her motivated to read.