Ten Reason Your Kids Should Participate in a Summer Reading Program

by Rebecca J. Gomez When my kids were young, summer reading programs were a sure thing. For the most part, my children were avid readers, especially my girls. A summer reading program wasn't necessary to encourage them to read, but we participated because it was a fun addition to summer. And the free pizza, books, and water park tickets definitely didn't hurt! There are lots of reasons to participate in a summer reading program or challenge, and here are ten of them: 1. Many summer reading programs offer prizes. And while we all know that reading is its own reward, some kids haven't figured that out yet. For those kids, a prize is just the incentive they need to stick their noses in a book now and then over the summer. 2. It's a fun way to reward those kids who will be reading no matter what! 3. For some families, trips to the library may help break up summer monotony.  4. Summer reading programs promote reading together as a family, especially for those with very young

Summer Challenge Week EIGHT: Make a Splash at the Pool!

 


Welcome to week EIGHT of Read, Discuss, Do's Summer Challenge! This week is all about making a splash. We hope you'll read some books that feature a swimming pool and make a splash in the pool yourself (just not at the same time!). If heading to the pool or a water park doesn't work for you, use the tub instead! Or run outside in the sprinkler. We're flexible! You could also do a project inspired by one of the books you read. Look back at this post about Jabari Jumps for one idea. Have fun, and don't forget about the hashtag, #RDDSummerChallenge. 

Suggested titles:

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall, a story about a young boy facing his fear of jumping off the diving board. This book may inspire your young readers to make the jump themselves!

1, 2, 3, Jump! by Lisl H. Detlefsen, illusrated by Madeline Valentine is another one about overcoming fear, this time about taking swim lessons. 

The Pool by Stanley Francis, illustrated by Angel Swan is a simple and silly story that is sure to amuse. And the simple text is ideal for beginning readers.

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