It’s not too early to start thinking about your summer reading program.
Check at your public library to see what they have. One in my area offers ice cream and such for younger kid’s goals, but has some really neat stuff for older kids.
Does a local bookstore sponsor a program? In years past, Barnes & Noble would offer a free book for completion of a certain number of good reads.
Make up your own program. We have used (a) a racecar path with the finish line denoting a special prize; (b) a climbing vine with books noted on each leaf with a goal to reach the top; (c) writing book titles completed on a slip of paper and making a paper chain.
Prizes or achievements could be:
1. Cash. This works well!
2. A trip to a special destination, like an amusement park.
3. Younger kids are motivated by simpler things, like a trip to the candy store.
4. An event such as a sleepover might be a destination reward.
Whatever you choose to do, make them read this summer! It’s a good time to let them plow through the popular fiction they haven’t had time for during the school year.
