Each summer for the past 13 years I've hosted the About.com Homeschooling Summer Reading Club. Your children can use the same reading time for other reading programs at your local library's summer reading programs and/or some of the following programs. I've found that a summer reading incentive can turn a child into an avid reader which can last a lifetime. So beat the heat with a good book and read the summer away.
Need more ideas for keeping kids entertained this summer? Check out this roundup of summer learning activities and Free or Cheap Summer Movies for Kids.
1. Summer Reading Club
Sign up for the Homeschool Summer Reading Club. Homeschool students read 500 pages and send their reading list in for a certificate and prize packet.
2. Barnes and Noble Summer Reading: Imagination's Destination
Kids in grades 1-6 can earn a free book when they read 8 books this summer. Deadline September 6, 2011. Print the Journal or Activity Kit and enjoy your summer filled with reading adventures.
3. TD Bank Summer Reading
Read 10 books and get $10 deposited into a new or existing Young Savers account. Locations on the East Coast. Deadline September 30.4. Half-Price Books Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program
Kids ages 14 and under set a goal to read 15 minutes or more a day. They can earn $5 Back-to-School Bucks for reading 600 minutes during June and July. Deadline turn in by August 7, 2011. There's a special prize of $20 HPB Gift Card for the top reader in each age group.
5. National Amusements Bookworm Wednesdays
Kids get free admission to a select children's film when they present a book report at a participating Showcase Cinemas, Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six receive free admission. Program begins 7/6/2011 and runs for 6 weeks. (Select theaters on the East Coast.)
6. PBS Super Why Right On Read-A-Thon
During June and July, kids fill out the printable chart, to earn a printable certificate and bookmark.7. Chuck E. Cheese's Reading Rewards Calendar
Kids read every day for 2 weeks and receive 10 free tokens at a Chuck E. Cheese's Restaurant. Offer expires 12/31/11.
8. HEBuddy Reading Club
Children read 10 books and earn a free t-shirt and points sticker. Locations in Texas.9. Pottery Barn Kids Book Club
Kids of all ages can attend weekly story times or read independently at home. Kids receive free book when they complete either the Caldecott Medal & Honor Book List or the Early Readers List. Promotion ends 8/24/11 and must be redeemed by 8/31/11.
