Summer reading programs are a great way to keep kids minds sharp and active over the summer months, but have you considered them for more? In our house we use them not only for keeping the “Summer Slide” at bay but to learn about new interests without having to break the bank with tons of classes. My daughter has tons she is interested in. She is 6 and is learning about everything from ballet to Karate, Math and Science to Unicorns and elves. Checking out a book from the library or buying one from the bookstore not only contributes to the many reading programs which prevent the summer slide, but helps kids decide what truly interests them.
You can get a taster of certain subjects and various skills by picking up a book at your library or book store and just getting their feet wet without investing in a class. This way you can have a clearer view of their interest level in the subject. If they are showing interest in science or in martial arts, pick up a book or two on the subject to see if they may be interested in a class. Ask questions to confirm commitment and interest. I always suggest looking at books that show the full picture, the fun and adventure side as well as the hard work and time involved in anything that they may be interested in. If they are still excited then go for a summer camp or class. If reality is just as exciting as the book you have a winner!
Finding something of interest at the library or book store opens up doors and sometimes closes them. If you can do some reading on a subject that your child has some interest in it will not only show them the fun and exciting part of say Karate but open up the awareness of the amount of work it will take to gain the akill level they want to achieve. If they are truly interested taking them to a summer camp or class is the next step but by opening up a book first this helps along the journey. Especially with more academic lines of interest.
I know for my daughter it’s a great way to check her interest in something by reading a book on a subject or interest of hers to see if she is truly interested and would like to pursue it further.
To keep skills sharp you can find tons of books for every academic skill out there. Some parents even do some home schooling just over the summer months.
Not only can you use a summer reading program to further interests but you can of course use it to just have fun with some recreational reading, Unicorns & Elves for example!
Anyway you find yourself using the summer reading programs in town is a great way to keep your mind and your child’s mind sharp and ever expanding. I do the Adult program while my daughter does her program. It shows her that reading at any age is a good thing.
You can find summer reading programs at the Libraries, Old Firehouse books, Barnes & Noble and you can also find stores like Learning Express that have workbooks for summer to keep skills sharp. Here are a few I found.
Loveland Library has ReadSqured. In this program you earn points and get free books at 300 and 600 points as well as getting to open up new games and get badges online as you reach goals. Find more details here. http://loveland.readsquared.com/
Poudre libraries has Game On! After 10 hours of reading you get a free book, you can earn badges and games, Power readers get invited to a special party at the end of the program. Find more details here: http://read.poudrelibraries.org/srp/
Colorado State wide reading program information offers tips for parents and grandparents to help readers information can be found here: http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/summerreading/index
Earn a free book from Barnes & Noble with their summer reading program: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading/_/N-rs9
PBS offers Super Readers Super Reader Read A Thon. There is a reading log, reading list, certificate and you have fun with the Super Readers while you complete the program: http://www.pbs.org/parents/superwhy/readathon/index.html
Learning Express Toy Store in Fort Collins offers $5.00 gift card when you complete and return one of their Summer Bridge Activity books completed. https://learningexpress.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=summer+activity
