Summer Reading Programs starting soon!

May 16, 2012 by
Filed under: Recreation 

Last week I mentioned I was getting ready for summer by picking up Bridging Books to keep my kids’ skills sharp during the break.  One of the other things parents can do is encourage reading. There are a ton of reading programs to be had and all of them offer kids (and sometimes adults) rewards for continuing to read during the summer months. Here’s a rundown:

  • Brown County Library Summer Program: This year’s theme is Dream Big – Read.  For every two hours a child reads, they get a prize like a pass to one of the city water parks or National Railroad Museum, a kids’ meal coupon from a variety of restaurants, and more.  At the end of the program they can pick out a free book, too.
  • Barnes & Noble: Read eight books, get one free (the form online is from last year; hopefully they’ll get it updated by the time the program officially launches on May 22.  However, you can get the new forms in-stores)
  • Book It program.  Yes, parents, your kids can earn those Pizza Hut certificates during the summer, too!
  • Chuck E Cheese: Not necessarily for reading but kids can get tokens when they fill up select chore charts
  • PBS Kids Summer Reading Community Challenge: A 6-week program starting June 18th with daily emails featuring ideas for activities and a chance to win daily prizes online
  • Scholastic Books Summer Challenge: log kids’ reading minutes and enter sweepstakes to reach the weekly reading goal to win digital prizes
  • Half-Price Books (Grand Chute) Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program:  Read 300 minutes or more by and get $5 Back-to-School Bucks summer reading reward.
  • Book Adventure (by Sylvan Learning Center):  Children create their own book lists from over 7,000 recommended titles, take multiple choice quizzes on the books they’ve read, and earn points and prizes for their literary successes.
  • Wisconsin State Parks Read to Lead program:  Kids, read (or have someone read to you) the book of the week and see how it relates to the state park! Read 20 or more books in 2012 and enter to win a Kindle Fire® or other prizes! Enjoy special nature programs at some parks during their “Read to Lead” week!

That should keep the kids busy for a while!

Do you know of any other reading programs that we can add to this list?  Let us know!

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Comments

4 Comments on Summer Reading Programs starting soon!

  1. Dawn Davis on Wed, 16th May 2012 10:01 am

    2. We always do the summer reading program through the press gazette. Do you know if they are having that this year?

  2. The Bargain Sleuth on Wed, 16th May 2012 10:02 am

    3. I haven’t seen anything but will talk to one of my contacts at the paper to see if they will be doing it again.

  3. Joy on Sat, 19th May 2012 11:46 am

    4. We went to Heritage Hill last weekend, and noticed the “Read to Lead” in Wisconsin State Parks flyers in front of the gift shop.

    Here are the details:
    Hey Kids! If you are 5 – 9 years old, here’s your challenge:
    * Read (or have someone read to you) 30 or more of these nature books. Check off the books as you read them.
    * Visit the state parks listed to find the books, or check them out anytime from a library.
    * Enjoy special nature programs at some parks during their “Read to Lead” week.
    * Visit http://www.wiparks.net and search for “read.”

    The Wisconsin Sate Park System is teaming up with Governor Scott Walker’s Read to Lead initiative to encourage kids and families to read everywhere – including the great outdoors!

    Kids, if you are 5 – 9 years old and read 20 or more books, you can enter your name in a drawing for a Kindle Fire and other prizes. Entries must be postmarked by January 7, 2013. Limit one entry per child.

  4. The Bargain Sleuth on Sun, 20th May 2012 8:11 am

    5. Thanks Joy, I’ll add it to the list!

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