Kids Summer Reading Challenge
Our library has a summer reading challenge each year. The goal is to read for a certain amount of hours each week. There are different achievements your little ones can reach. And after you reach each one they can get a prize.
What is the Summer Reading Challenge?
A summer reading challenge is a great way to encourage kids to read. Even when school is out. It is important for kids to read daily.
Beginner readers should read to for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. Being read to can also count towards that time.
You can challenge your kids to read for 30 minutes a day for a certain amount of days during the summertime. Since my daughter was 4 we have participated in the summer reading challenge at our library.
She likes the challenge because is is reward for reading. And if it means she reads more than I don’t mind the bribe!
Get rewarded for Reading
My kids like to read but they don’t read as much or as often as they should. The great thing about this challenge is that they will get rewarded for reading. They get a prize for every 15 days they complete.
With this challenge, you can offer 3 different prizes. The first prize is something small. You could get some little toys from the dollar store. Or stuff from the Target dollar bins would be perfect for this first prize.
The second prize is usually a new book. The third and final prize is a little bigger. You could reward your little ones with a trip to the zoo. Or take them out to get a sundae at the ice cream shop.
The purpose of summer reading
It’s important for kids to read during the summer so they don’t lose any progress they have made during the school year. Kids who read over the summer gain reading skills. Also, they don’t regress over the summer and lose a few months of what they have already learned.
How to get started with the Summer Reading Challenge
The challenge that we take part in from our library lasts for 45 days. Kids have to read themselves or have someone read to them for 30 minutes a day.
This challenge is for readers and little ones who don’t know how to read yet. That way no one is left out. Plus you are encouraging your younger ones to love reading.
The library passes out a paper board game. After marking off all the days the challenge is complete. The challenge ends by the end of summer.
I made a PDF for you to print out if you would like for your kids to do a summer reading challenge.
If you want to there is a space on the game board to write down the prizes they can win. This might give your little ones extra motivation to complete the challenge!
Where to get books
A way to get your kids interested in reading more is to have a variety of new books for them to choose from. Buying books every week can be expensive. Also, you may not have room for hundreds of books. But there are other options for getting new books in front of your kids.
Local Library
The library is a good place to get books for your kids. An easy way to guarantee your kids get the books they want is to place a hold on them. This makes it so much easier than trying to look for books in the aisles with your kids.
Also, another option is to borrow eBooks. You can always have new books on hand. If your library offers this option.
Epic
Our family was first introduced to Epic this Spring when schools closed. Epic has over 40,000 books for your little ones to choose from. Epic is a subscription service. You can get the first 30 days for free.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited is another subscription service. Currently, new members can receive a two-month free trial. Also, the whole family can use this subscription.
Summer Reading for Kids
I like this program because it gives your kids the motivation to read. And if you have little ones that can’t read yet, participation still counts when you read to them. So they can join in on the fun and still receive prizes.
My daughter is eight and refuses to do anything academic during the summer. At least with this challenge I’m able to get her to continue reading.
Have your little ones participated in a summer reading challenge? Let me know in the comments:)
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