School’s out for summer! If, like me, you have young kids at home, it’s a great time to encourage them to participate in summer reading programs. Here are a few to check out — and be sure to go to your local library or even city office for more options.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. My kids have done this every year they were eligible (students in first through sixth grade can participate), and it’s really simple. Just have your child write down eight books they read during the summer, including their favorite parts, on the journal. Then bring the completed journal into your local Barnes & Noble store, and your child can choose from one of the free books! Pro tip: You can go in anytime between July 1 and Aug. 31, and I recommend going early for the best selection.
Little Mama Shirt Shop Summer Reading Program. I have bought shirts for my kids from this shop for years and love supporting an Idaho mom. Chynna also does an annual summer reading challenge. Read 200 books (or chapters) with your kids this summer and turn in your tracker to receive a free library tote (with a shark designed by a kid) and a shop discount code.
Scholastic Home Base. If your kids love computer/tablet games, they will enjoy participating in Scholastic’s free summer reading program, called Home Base. This interactive world allows children to meet characters from their favorite books (a quick glance showed characters from Wings of Fire and Goosebumps), write stories, and play book-based games. I think this would be right up my 10-year-olds’ alley.
Utah State Fair Read and Win! program. This is another program my kids participate in every year, and we love it! Have your child (in grades 1-6) read 10 books and write down the titles either on a downloadable form or online. Then mail the forms or fill out the online form by July 19. Your child will receive a free ticket to the Utah State Fair, midway ride, giant yellow slide ride, drink and bookmark. State fair tickets can add up, so we love this deal so much. Plus, they mail the tickets to your kids individually, and what kid doesn’t love getting a letter in the mail?
Splash Summit Reading Program. My family went to Splash Summit for the first time last year, and we all had a blast. I just discovered that they have a new reading program! Any child in kindergarten through sixth grade in Utah who reads 500 minutes in a month (20 minutes a day) receives a free pass to Splash Summit (a waterpark in Provo, Utah). It looks like the deadline was April, but I am including it here to remind you (and myself) to enroll early next year to get the pass.
Salt Lake County Library Summer Reading Challenge. If you live in Salt Lake County, make sure to participate in the County Library reading challenge! Download the form (teens and adults can participate, too!) and color in one of the designs each time you read, create, learn, play or connect (there are suggestions for activities under each category). Then turn your form it at your local library branch to receive a free book and be entered into a drawing for other prizes.
Salt Lake City Library Super Summer Challenge. Salt Lake City residents (and neighbors): This challenge rewards you for reading just 20 minutes a day! Fill in spaces on the tracker when you read or complete other activities, and then turn it in to get a completion prize and be entered to win the grand prize. They also have some darling coloring pages you can print off when your kids come in asking for something to do this summer.
Murray Library Build-a-Habit Challenge. If you live close to Murray, Utah, which has its own library, you can participate in their reading program as well. Read for 30 days and complete two other challenges listed on the tracker. Then fill out the form, turn it in, and receive a prize. You’ll also receive an entry for the grand-prize raffle.
Hopefully these programs inspire you to get your kids reading this summer! If I’ve missed any, let me know. Sadly, the Book-It program that rewards kids with pizza filled up really quickly. I think my kids will do anything for pizza (as will I).
