Ten Reason Your Kids Should Participate in a Summer Reading Program

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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
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Snack and Story Time: Scarecrow Haystacks

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by Mindy Baker

The Scarecrow written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by The Fan Brothers is a fall favorite that runs deep with an important message about friendship. Because Scarecrow looks scary, no one enters the field to be near him. One day, a baby crow drops into the field, injured. When the scarecrow shows kindness and helps the baby crow, it is the beginning of a special friendship. What will happen when the crow is healthy enough to fly away?

Read: The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry and illustrated by The Fan Brothers

Discuss:
  • Why doesn’t Scarecrow have any friends?
  • Who took care of the crow?
  • Why did the crow leave?
  • How did Scarecrow feel when the crow left?
  • What happened in the end to make Scarecrow feel good? Even though Scarecrow looked scary, how did he show he was friendly?
  • Have you ever met someone that you thought was going to be mean but ended up becoming one of your good friends? Tell about it.
Do: Make no bake haystack cookies!
  • 1 10 oz bag chow mein noodles
  • 1 pkg butterscotch chips
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • Handful of roasted peanuts (optional)

Melt the chips on the stove, using a double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler, use very low heat and stir the chips constantly so they don't burn. You can also use the microwave. Stir in the peanut butter, then mix in the rest of the ingredients. Drop onto waxed paper to cool. 

(Recipe credit to www.thecountrycook.com)

Comments

Marci said…
I love this book! It's beautiful and emotional--a strong friendship story!
September 26, 2022 at 9:38 AM
Rebecca Gomez said…
Marci, I agree! And it's so beautifully illustrated.
September 26, 2022 at 1:20 PM
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