OT - Summer reading programs!

[fan_of_small_world]

I thought it would be helpful to start a thread where we can all share summer reading programs we have found. I know Build-A-Bear did one last year, but nothing is posted yet. (I'll keep checking, though, and post if they do it again).

Scholastic has the "Summer Reading Buzz" with lots of great ideas:

http://www.scholastic.com/summerreading/

Here is one from Barnes and Noble...kids can earn a free book by reading 8 books between May 29 and September 2:

http://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our_company/community/Summer_Reading/Summer_Reading_Program.html

Book It! has a contest your child can enter if they read 5 books and submit the form by August 15:

http://www.bookitprogram.com/shake/default.asp

Anyone else have links to other programs?

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes -- try using the programs at your public library. Public libraries depend heavily on their summer circulation statistics to keep their funding intact; they NEED for you to participate, and the staff work their butts off every year begging sponsors for prizes, which they won't get again next year if the participation isn't good enough. PLEASE support your local public library.

 

[Hunnybee]

Thank you, NotUrsula! I am a librarian at a public library -- and it seems like we see the "hit" from all the other stores doing reading programs. We do depend on our numbers during the summer to get our programming money! Also, we do work our butts off! Summer is an incredibly busy time for us -- which is great, but exhausting!

If you get your kids started early, they will grow to love the library. Show them the fun part -- the storytimes, special programs, cozy spots for stories with Mom or Dad, etc. We aren't just the place they will dread coming to when they get older because they have a homework assignment. Why pay for books when you can borrow new ones every couple weeks?!!!

Nothing is more rewarding for me than to see the kids that I first saw at the age of 10 when I started my job (they were 10, not me! ) still reading everything in sight at the age of 19!

 

[GoofItUp]

Thanks for these great links! I'm keeping my 3 school-age cousins for the first 1/2 of the summer. I already have the summer reading kickoff luau at our public library marked on my calendar, but will use the books they read in that reading program for these as well.

 

[DizneeMommy]

I agree--public library summer reading programs are wonderful! I remember doing them through the old Bookmoblie program when I was a kid. My daughter has done our library's pre-school program this year and loved it--she can't wait for the summer program to start next week! And, as a first grade teacher, there's nothing better you can do for your child's academic progress than to get them turned on to reading!!

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Oh believe me, we'll be spending LOTS of time at the library this summer! We all love to read, and there are so many wonderful resources there for us all.

(Just to prove how much I love libraries, I'm looking at going to grad school either for elementary ed or a master's in library science! )

 

[daisyduck123]

subscribing....

 

[SarahK]

Another library staffer here-- Yes, please support your local library's Summer Reading Program!! Every library does the program a different way, but usually there are prizes, special programs, and neat displays. If your library is doing the "official" program the theme this year is "Get a Clue @ your library" for kids, and "YNK- You Never Know @ your library," so both programs are mystery themed and look like they will be lots of fun! Not all libraries participate in this theme, but it's always fun to see what libraries do to decorate for whatever theme they choose. Plus you help with circulation, and that helps the library!

 

[kinntj]

Our public library summer reading kicks off June 24th. I love it because this is the first year promoting parents reading to their kids. Before they would only invite kids that could read, but this year they give prizes to the kids that get read to. I thought that was a great idea and we're even participating this year, because my kids can't read yet and I love to read to them.

I'll probably take them to the library before that date, because it'll be busy that day and I'd like to check out books before then and join in the festivities/crafts on the kick off date.

 

[Denine]

We did the library summer reading program last year and it was great becasue it did include the non readers getting read to.

Ours kicks off on June 4th this year with a pirate party on the 2nd. DD LOVES pirate stuff.

 

[crazee4disney]

My DD8 has been participating the public library summer reading program since she was 3! The first year we did it she won a grand prize (nothing big, but BIG to her!).

That is her favorite program in the summer because she's not having to read for A.R. testing, but she's reading for fun and having a blast!

 

[sconnell]

I'm so glad I saw this! I just checked out our library's website and their kick-off is next weekend! http://www.liveoakpl.org/events/for_kids/vaction_reading_program_kickoffs.php
Here's more about the program! Looks like our theme this year is "Reading takes you everywhere!"
http://www.liveoakpl.org/events/for_kids/reading_takes_you_everywhere.php

 

[sbaldasare]

Does anyone have a list of the books available at Barnes and Noble? My boys are just about ready to go out and pick out their book. It helps to know the list beforehand with them (They take FOREVER picking something out!)

 

[Deffenm]

Here is the link to the Build A Bear reading Program. My kids are doing this one, Barnes and Noble, and the library.

http://www.buildabear.com/lp/summerreading2007/default.aspx

 

[momsully]

We also do our local library as well as Barnes and Noble. They love the library programs.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

www.bookadventure.org kids read books, then take quizzes on them and earn reward points which they can redeem in their store.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Massachusetts' theme is "Catch the Beat at Your Library" this year.