Summer vacation has officially started for most kids. If you’re a parent like me, you may have already started looking into activities and camps to keep your little busy. Also, if, like me, you have a reading buddy who might like to get all extroverted this summer, I have some suggestions to keep their little hearts in bibliophile bliss. Summer reading is a good way to get your kids engaged during the summer.
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
For grades 1 through 6, B&N runs this reading program from July 1-August 31. Kiddos can read any eight books of their choice, mark them on the B&N Summer Reading Journal, and receive a free book when complete. Redeemable at your local Barnes and Noble, kids can choose from several different choices for each grade level.
Pizza Hut’s Camp BOOK IT!
This program runs from June to August, and man, does it bring out the nostalgia! Free pizza with the completion of a parent-led reading challenge! This one will require a parent to sign up and track the books read by their kiddo. This program is available for readers aged 4-12, pre-schoolers through 6th graders.
Scholastic Summer Reading Program
This has to be one of the most fun and interactive internet-based reading programs that are offered. Renowned children’s book publisher Scholastic has created Home Base, a “free digital destination which offers stories, characters, games, and a community of readers.” For those of you leery of social media and internet sites where your children interact with strangers, I know what you’re thinking. However, never fear because Scholastic has safety in mind first when it comes to your kids. Home Based is moderated 24/7. Not only can your reader earn digital rewards while reading free books, but the more each kid reads, the more books that get donated to underprivileged children around the country.
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards Calendar
If only my husband had known about this when he was younger, he might have read more! This program runs all year long in two-week increments. If your kiddo reads every day for two weeks straight, you can redeem this bi-week calendar tracker at your local Chuck E. Cheese. They get rewarded with 10 play points for stores that have gone digital or 10 tokens where they haven’t.
There are so many more reading challenges and programs out there for your kiddo to get involved in! It makes it even more fun when they get rewarded with fun activities and treats, and even more so when their efforts go to helping others!
For more summer reading fun, click here.