Summer Reading Fun for Homeschoolers
Some families school year ’round, while others take a break over the summer. Either way, maintaining reading habits over the summer is a good idea. Children who are reluctant readers may enjoy participating in a structured reading program with a reward at the end; others may simply find the reward an added bonus. Avid readers may want to participate in multiple programs.
Some programs your children may enjoy include:
The Pizza Hut Book It Program has been around for many school years. Pizza Hut now has a Summer Break Reading Challenge Sweepstakes Program for students from K to 6th grade from June 15 through August 15. By reading only five books during the summer your child could win a Diary of a Wimpy Kid Fun Prize package. The website describes the challenge. Read for fun and reap a reward.
Barnes and Noble also has a Summer Reading Program. The program is designed for children from first to sixth grade. Students can earn free books by reading eight books. These books can be from the library, friends, or bought at Barnes and Noble. Students need to write about their favorite parts of the books in a Reading Journal. The Journal, when completed, can be brought to a local Barnes and Noble bookstore where a child chooses a free book from a selection of books.
The Collaborative Summer Library Program does not offer incentives for children, but does offer numerous free resources to make a summer reading program an educational experience. In addition to recommended book lists by grade level, there is a Resources section which includes a bibliography and multi-media references for recommended titles. There are also recommendations for adult readers.
Your local library may have its own program. There are usually programs for children and teens.
You may also want to create your own Summer Program by selecting books you know your child will enjoy. Add a reading incentive for each book your child reads. You can go on a field trip, on a trip to a mall or to lunch, or on a trip to the park or beach. Any fun activity will give your child a reward for reading.
What to read?
Most programs include recommended reading lists, however, other resources can also help your child on his or her way. Two of the best lists are the Caldecott Medal winners and the Newbery Award Winners.