Both of my children have worked so hard in school this year, and made significant progress in many areas. As a bookworm myself, I am thrilled with their reading abilities, and want to build on the momentum created during the school year. If you’re like me, and hoping to avoid the “summer slide” – kids’ skills regressing during the summer – try these summer reading programs.
bbgb Summer Reading Bingo
bbgb’s Summer Reading Bingo is a fun and easy way to incorporate reading into your summer routine. The Bingo board offers unique and fun ways to read books, instead of specific titles. For example, “a book you read for bedtime,” or “a book by an author of color” are broad enough that a child still has choice in what they read.
Prizes include a free cookie, trinkets from the prize bag, and an entry for a gift card.
Pizza Hut Camp Book It
This program is for students in Pre-K through 6th grade. Parents or students keep track of books read and as the reading goal is met, free personal pan pizzas are earned!
Midlothian Book Exchange
Midlothian Book Exchange is a second-hand bookstore in the heart of Midlothian. This year the summer reading theme is Reading is Oceans of Fun. Children are encouraged to work through a summer reading game board to win prizes. Visit Midlothian Book Exchange on May 18 for the Kids’ Summer Reading Kick Off.
Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble provides students in grades 1-6 a way to stay active with reading over the summer, without spending anything. Read any 8 books and record them in the reading journal. Bring your completed journal to any Barnes and Noble during July or August and choose a free book from the list in the journal.
Local Libraries
All libraries in our region participate in a summer reading program. This year, Chesterfield County Public Library is offering The Library Game, where individuals complete challenges and log them through the Beanstack App.
Here are a few summer reading tips:
- Buy a hammock and encourage your children to read outside.
- If you have a resistant reader, try one of the Paws to Read Programs at your local library. Reading aloud to a sweet-natured dog does wonders for a new reader’s confidence. Practicing over the summer will help lock in those skills before next school year.
- Always pack a book (or two). With busy schedules it may seem hard to fit in reading; but, if you pack a book, you may find there’s more time than you think. Read with your children in carpool lines (while you are not driving!), waiting at appointments, in long lines at the bank, store, etc.
Looking for more tips on integrating literacy into your family’s daily life? Read these articles:
