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

Snack and Story: Books and Treats to Share with Your Dog

by Tina Cho

Most children naturally love dogs, and so reading books with dog characters is a great way to foster a love of reading. Children can also read to their dogs or other pets.  If they don't have one, they could read to a stuffed animal. My students like doing that in our classroom. 

Some kids read to dogs with a purpose. I came across this Instagram story about a boy who reads to shelter dogs who are waiting to be adopted. He doesn't like to see them lonely.

And just as kids and adults like to snack and read, dogs can too. Here's an easy homemade dog treat recipe that my sisters uses: Peanut Butter Dog Treats from The Cookie Rookie.

Why not share a snack and a story with a pet (real or stuffed) in your life? Here are some books about dogs to get you started:

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems

Cool Dog, School Dog by Deborah Heiligman, illustrated by Tim Bowers

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills

Charlie Goes to School by Ree Drumond, illustrated by Diane deGroat

If You Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham

Can I Be Your Dog by Troy Cummings

Rescue and Jessica by Jessica Kensky, illustrated by Patrick Downes

Gobi, a Little Dog with a Big Heart by Dion Leonard, illustrated by Lisa Manuzak

Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Patrice Barton


Tina's sister's dogs enjoying
THE PIGEON WANTS A PUPPY





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