Summer Reading Fun

In our last blog, we talked about why it’s important to manage screen time, especially for young kids. In this blog, we’re going to make that job a little easier for you!

Many organizations offer free summer reading challenges that provide incentives such as free meals, movies, books, and more to encourage your kids to read over the summer. Why is this important? Check our blog from June 2023 for more details, but, in summary, children who read over the summer tend to maintain or improve their reading levels and improve their knowledge, emotional intelligence, focus and concentration, vocabulary, writing skills, memory, and analytical thinking. That’s quite a list! Reading also provides a nice break when needed from the summer heat or rain showers. (Reading is also important for babies and toddlers – check our blog here for more info.)

Below is a list of great summer reading programs to check out. Want to do your own? We have a Summer Reading Bingo game inspired by Imagination Soup that you can download here – and ideas to start your own kids’ summer book club. These are great ideas for young children who may not qualify for other programs. Check out these summer reading programs, and let us know of any we missed. Visit the website for each program for age ranges, prizes, requirements, and other details. Happy reading!

• Local libraries: Most local libraries have summer reading programs where kids can earn prizes for reading a certain number of books. Many libraries also have free story times for young kids; check your local library for details.

• Showcase Cinemas: Kids can earn free admission to certain children’s movies when they participate in Showcase’s Bookworm Wednesdays summer reading program. Kids six and older must submit a book report to the box office. Accompanying parents/guardian s receive free admission, and children under six receive free admission without a book report.

• Barnes & Noble: The Barnes & Noble program is available only to kids in grades 1 – 6, but kids can earn a free book after reading a designated number of books, completing a Reading Journal , and bringing the journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. (Books do not have to be purchased at Barnes & Noble to count; children may read books borrowed from libraries or borrowed from friends.)

• Chuck E. Cheese: Kids read to earn points that they can exchange for free tokens at participating Chuck E. Cheese restaurants. Parents should print incentive charts from Chuck E. Cheese’s website and bring completed charts so children can receive points or tokens.

• Reading is Fundamental: RIF offers “summer reading field trips.” Join their reading program for recommended books plus accompanying activities and videos.

• Half Price Books: Register online for Half Price Books’ Summer Reading Camp. You can download printable coloring sheets, craft ideas, reading lists, and scavenger hunts. You do not need to live near a Half Price Books to participate, but, if you do, you can earn $5 Bookworm Bucks good for $5 off anything in-store.

• Books-A-Million: Kids choose any four books from the BAM Summer Reading Adventure in-store or online, write about the books they’ve read in their logbook, and show the completed logbook to a store associate to receive a free hat.

• Panda Express: Kids ages 5-12 can earn a free kid’s meal by reading as few as five books in Panda Express’ “Read with Me” program. Enroll online.

• Kellogg’s: Buy a participating Kellogg’s product before September 30, upload your receipt, and receive a free book from Penguin Random House. Join the program online.

• Professional Sports Programs: Some professional sports teams sponsor summer reading programs. Check your local team for details.

• Schools: While schools might not offer incentive programs, many schools have suggested summer reading lists on their website for kids as young as five.

Kids’ Summer Book Club: Have your kids invite their friends to join a book club. For preschoolers and kindergartners, moms can take turn hosting and reading a story book to kids. Ask them questions – what happened? What do you think will happen next? Do you like the character? Keep it short and fun and then treat them to a related snack and play time. Kids who can read on their own can read a book or a chapter, talk about it, and have a related snack and play time.
 
Summer Bingo: Inspired by Imagination Soup, we created a summer reading BINGO card you can access here. Have your kids read books in the various categories to try to get Bingo. Agree ahead of time on a “prize” your kids will get when they hit Bingo. Be creative: you can go for a special treat like ice cream, a picnic, a trip to the zoo, or an outing to the pool – just find something that works for your kids and your budget!

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