Summer Reading Activities

Summer is a terrific time to do some fun reading-related activities without the pressure of grades or the need to be "educational." Focus on enjoying some great books with your kids this summer.

We will be featuring book-related activities for you to enjoy with your children throughout the summer. Most of these are small--recipes that tie in with books or berry picking, for example. If you'd like to see some "bigger" book-centered vacation activities, check out our friends' list at Redeemed Reader.

For the car: traveling this summer? Ditch the DVD player, and check out your local library's selection of audiobooks. If you have an iPod, smartphone, or other digital listening device, there are places online from which you can download audio books (sometimes for free!). Look for favorites from your own childhood; books like the Narnia Chronicles can be terrific audio adventures for a wide age group. Even a well read Winnie-the-Pooh can delight listeners of multiple age groups.

Go to the library!! Check out your local library's summer offerings. There are often free programs for kids, summer reading rewards and contests, and storytimes. Our library also has programs for grownups; last summer, I won a Nook!

Community Activities: We can get a free minor league baseball ticket from the baseball team for every 10 books read (kids only)! There is a simple form to print and fill out. So, be sure to check around in your community for the options. Ask other parents about what they've done. These rewards can be great incentives for reluctant readers.

Family Goals: You might consider setting a family reading goal, particularly if you are in a small community which doesn't have many reading-related incentives. Perhaps you will make it through a certain number of books, and then treat yourself to a day at an amusement park or go to a baseball game or watch the movie based on the book or something.

Happy Reading!