Summer Reading

One of the most important things I keep telling Sweetpea is that just because it's summer, doesn't mean the learning stops - especially the reading.

In my family, we believe that one of the most important things we can teach our kids is the enjoyment of books and reading. If you can read, you can go anywhere and do anything. Every book is a different adventure. You can learn about anything you can read about. It is one of our favorite pastimes.

I have found that both Borders and Barnes & Noble have summer reading challenges to keep kids in the groove:

Borders Kids Reading Challenge!

Kids 12 and under must read any 8 books and then list the books they've read on the Reading Challenge Worksheet, signed by a parent/guardian.

Then just bring the completed worksheet to any Borders or Waldenbooks store between May 26 and August 31 to save 50% or more on selected items!

I do have a problem with this one though. I checked it out and the kids have a choice of only 6-8 items and the majority of them are learn to draw books or puzzles. Not really following along with the whole reading theme... doesn't make sense to me.

Barnes & Noble 2009 Summer Reading Program

Your child will need to read 8 books of their own choosing. They will use the Summer Reading Journal to write about their favorite part of each book. A parent/guardian signs the journal when it's complete. Then just bring their completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 26th & September 7th, 2009 and get a coupon for a FREE book!

These are only a couple that I have come across. You may want to check with some of your other local book stores. Or, the best place, your local libraries. They usually have some summer reading fun programs - and there is never a shortage of books.

I hope your kids enjoy their summer - and their time reading.