Summer Reading Programs
We’ve found that participating in summer reading programs is a fun way to encourage reading during the summer months.
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I’ll be honest we try to keep learning simple and centered around the road trips or family projects we’re working on throughout the summer months. As a full-time entrepreneur that works from home, I implement an Hour of Power each work day that allows me to focus on specific tasks within my business. During that hour, my children are having quiet time and this is the perfect time for them to spend reading or writing about what they’ve read throughout the week.
Here are few resources for summer reading programs and the fun incentives they offer:
Your Local Library
One of the first places to check for summer reading programs is your local library. Besides offering incentives for reading, they often offer free programs and activities throughout the summer. Introducing your children to all your local library has to offer at an early age will help to cultivate a love for reading and learning.
Your local librarian is a great resource for reading recommendations for your family.
Barnes and Nobles
Children can earn a free book from Barnes and Nobles when they read eight books and write a brief synopsis of what they read. Find all the details and reading recommendations by age here.
Reading Requirement: 8 Books
Reward: One Free Book
Program Ends: August 31, 2019
Chuck E. Cheese’s Reading Rewards Calendar
Who doesn’t love the place where a kid can be a kid? Chuck E. Cheese has quite a few different ways for children to earn free tokens and be rewarded for doing great things. Their reading calendar is available year round and can be claimed multiple times.
Reading Requirement: Read daily for 2 weeks
Reward: 10 Free Tokens
Program Ends: December 31, 2019
Half Price Books
During June and July children aged 14 and under (or 8th grade and under) can earn $5 Bookworm Bucks to use in the store whenever they’ve read 300+ minutes. Their summer reading program resource page has some great printables and lists of book selections.
Reading Requirement: 300+ minutes each month
Reward: $5 store credit each month (June & July)
Program Ends: August 29, 2019
Books-A-Million
Do you have a Diary of a Wimpy Kid fan? If so they’ll love Books-A-Million’s summer reading program! Simply read four books from the Summer Reading Adventure in-store or online. They will need to write about each book in a journal available for download and then take the completed journal into your local Books-A-Million to receive your free Diary of a Wimpy Kid drawstring backpack.
Reading Requirement: Read daily for 2 weeks
Reward: Free Drawstring Backpack
Program Ends: While Supplies Last
Lifeway Summer Reading Program
Lifeway wants to promote the love of reading and encourage the love of God’s Word through reading His Scripture. Their program is geared toward grades 1 through 6 and toddlers, ages 1 to 5, but all are welcome to join in the adventure.
Reading Requirement: Read 6 books and memorize 6 scriptures.
Reward: Free Books
Program Ends: August 31, 2019
Reading Rewards
You can create your family’s own summer reading program using Reading Rewards. It’s free and simple to set up your family’s reading goals and allow your kids to use their RR Miles for rewards you identify.
SYNC Audiobooks for Teens
Often the teenagers get left out of the summer reading programs. SYNC is a free summer audiobook program just for them. SYNC will give away two complete audiobook downloads a week – pairs of high interest titles, based on weekly themes. Sign up for email or text alerts and be first to know when new titles are available to download at www.audiobooksync.com.
TD Bank
TD Bank’s Summer Reading Program encourages students in grades K-5 to keep their reading skills sharp during summer vacation and helps them to save money. TD Bank deposits $10 into a new or existing TD Simple Savings account after completion of reading 10 books.
Reading Requirement: 10 books
Reward: $10
Program Ends: August 31, 2019