Let's keep the kids reading this summer.
They can read, you can read to them, even audio books…they are all great options for your family. Reading is amazing because it informs and entertains. Here are some local and national reading programs that incentivize reading by giving prizes and rewards to participants. Even the little ones that rely on someone to read them a story can be part of the reading and prize wining! Rewards and recognition can really motivate so take advantage of any that look appealing to your kids.
Your Local Library!
Maricopa County Libraries are all running a summer reading program called "Color Our World". To register, go to https://maricopacountyreads.org/. This will be the site you go to in order to log your reading minutes that all the libraries are tied in with. Attending events at your local library can earn you points as can reading or being read to. There are prizes that can be earned as you rack up more and more minutes and points! You collect your rewards & prizes from your local library. FAQs
If your local library is in Peoria, this site will have more specific library information and events of interest to you. Peoria libraries are ALSO holding their story writing contest and library card design contest right now!
If your local library is in Surprise, this site will have additional info and activities for you to access.
Other area libraries such as White Tank Library and El Mirage Library are in on this too!
Barnes & Noble
Kids in grades 1-6 can earn a free book after reading 8 books and keeping track of them in a reading log. Info and reading log here
Mensa Excellence In Reading
If you have a child that loves reading, then they are a great candidate for the reading program offered by Mensa. You don’t have to be a member to join the challenge, it’s open to any kids 18 or younger around the world. After completing the reading log your kids will earn a certificate of achievement and a free t-shirt.
FYI, this is an ongoing program to encourage the joy and fun of reading and to challenge them. There is no expectation that the list be accomplished over the course of 1 summer! When your child has read all the books for their age level they get the award.
Pizza Hut Book It Program
Book It is a free reading program designed for kids in preK – 6th grade. Parents use the app on https://www.bookitprogram.com/ to set goals, track progress, and redeem rewards during the summer months of June, July, and August. When children meet their monthly reading goal, they’ll receive a free one-topping personal pan pizza from a participating Pizza Hut. For a reluctant reader, the idea of pizza as a reward might be pretty inspiring!
Sonlight
Sonlight Christian Homeschool Curriculum provides suggested books, fun activities and goals to keep kids reading all summer long. Even more exciting is their expanded reading program for moms! Readers can earn a free T-shirt, plus be entered for a chance to win a $50 coupon that can be used toward any Sonlight purchase! Info here.
Scholastic Summer Challenge
You may have already learned about this from your child’s teacher and school but just in case…..From May 9th through September 12th, kids can visit the Summer Zone in Scholastic Home Base, a completely free digital destination which offers stories, characters, book based games, and a community of readers. Home Base is moderated for safety 24/7 and you can get more information as well as sign up here.
