My kids officially finished first grade today, and many other schools have either just ended or will ending in the next few weeks. I put together a list of summer reading programs last year and thought you might find it helpful this year, too. Hopefully it is MUCH easier for you to get books this year now that most libraries and stores are fully open! Check out these 2021 summer reading programs to keep your kids on track.
Utah State Fair Read & Win program. You’ll love this program if you’re a Utah resident! Kids in first through sixth grade must read just 10 books between May 1 and July 16. Then parents either fill out the online form or mail the book list to the fair administration building. Prizes include:
- One children’s admission ticket to the Utah State Fair
- One free drink coupon to redeem at the State Fair Store
- A free carnival ride
- A ribbon bookmark
- One free ride on the giant yellow slide
We go to the Utah State Fair every year, and the giant yellow slide is our favorite ride. This is a great incentive for kids who might be a bit more hesitant to read during the summer.
Salt Lake County Tails & Tales challenge. Again, Utah friends, this one is awesome. If you live in Salt Lake County, download a form or pick one up at your local branch. Then have your kids color in a shape each day whenever they complete one of the activities. This includes reading but also encourages kids to play, create, learn, and connect in the community. When your child turns in their form, they’ll receive a free book and also be entered in a drawing. As an added bonus, you’ll receive a one-time fine waiver of $5 per card for signing up.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal. We did this last year with my kids, and it is the easiest challenge ever. Have your kids read eight books, write down the title and author and their favorite part. Then return the journal to any Barnes & Noble store and your child can pick one of the books listed on the form. I love that this program rewards kids with age-appropriate books and that several are also available in Spanish! This is for kids in grades 1-6.
Camp Book-It. You may have participated in a Book-It challenge when you were a kid. I remember doing this and LOVING it because I got Pizza Hut pizza. While it’s available for pre-K thru grade 6, this program does have more hoops to jump through. Sign your kids up and then receive reading incentives for them through email!
Scholastic Summer Reading. I will admit that I have not yet signed my kids up for this one because I limit their time on tablets and still prefer paper books for them. I also know that I’ll forget to have them log on daily and record their reading activity. However, if you have older kids or have kids who prefer phones and tablets, this may be a great option! Kids can log onto Home Base and read books and articles and also connect with their favorite authors. There are a lot of virtual events, too.
Do you participate in a summer reading program you love? I want to hear about it!
