We all know that reading is a reward in itself. Getting to learn about your interests, “travel” to far corners of the earth and immerse yourself in other worlds while “meeting” new and interesting characters is awesome! But with so much for kids to do in the summer, like going to the pool or summer camp, reading time can easily be put on the back burner. There are many different ways to keep your young readers interested in reading all summer long,
Library programs
First off, sign up for your library’s summer reading program! This year the library summer reading theme is “Libraries Rock!” This fun theme mixes reading with all things rock: music, geology, even candy! Missouri River Regional Library kicked off their program with a rockin’ concert from Babaloo and Daniel Boone Regional Library hosted Laurie Berkner in concert at the Missouri Theater. Be sure to watch for more rock-themed activities from both libraries and start reading to earn books and other prizes!
2018 Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
The closest Barnes and Noble is in Columbia, so this reading program requires a short trip.
Children from first grade to sixth can read eight books this summer and track them in a reading journal, along with their favorite part of each book. Then turn it in at Barnes and Noble before Sept. 3 and receive a free book!
The reward book list has a good mix of classics, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh, and newer titles, such as Pete the Cat: Pete’s Big Lunch and The 13-Story Treehouse.
Chuck E. Cheese’s Reading Rewards Calendar
Parents can download and print a rewards calendar. Children can earn 10 free Chuck E. Cheese tokens for reading every day for two weeks. This also requires a trip to Columbia to redeem.
Keep the kids engaged and actively using their imaginations with Dr. Seuss-themed crafts, recipes and activities on those long summer days.
Are your kids interested in science? Want to keep the learning going through the summer? Check out this free, interactive STEM program! Concepts are introduced online, explained with Maker experiments and projects and reinforced with books coordinated with the subject. Not that crafty? You can order a family kit with a printed guide and supplies for the experiments for $25.
Arbordale Publishing - Digital to Nature: Summer Reading
In the summer, this publishing company offers free access to some of their nature and STEM ebooks and coordinating learning activities for each book! The words on the pages are highlighted as the books are read aloud (in English or Spanish) to your kids. And it’s all online, so you can pull it up on your tablet or phone!
Sylvan Learning’s Book Adventure
This fun program is not just for the summer, it’s all year long! Kids can look for book suggestions according to interests and reading levels, read them offline and come back to answer comprehension quizzes and earn points (and prizes) for their reading success!
Just for Teens
9th annual New York Times Summer Reading Contest
Encourage your teen to read and take an interest in the world around them by reading the newspaper. They get to read what they want AND offer their opinion! This summer program asks teens, students 13-19, what they read in the New York Times and why they liked or disliked it. Each week they publish the best comments. The Times only offers about 5 free articles per month without a digital subscription so you may need to source your newspaper at the library or local coffee shop.
Sync Summer Reading Program for Teens
For 16 weeks in the summer, this program, sponsored by AudioFile Magazine, gives away two free audiobooks per week. Teens can download two titles based on weekly themes through the OverDrive app.
For more ideas to increase your summer reading fun, check out our Summer Reading Pinterest Board!
