While the kids are out of school this summer there is no reason that learning should take a back seat to all of the fun they'll have. Rather, it should be a part of it.
Most libraries in the US host programs where prizes are given out to children who read, or are read to. The only contingency is that the books are written into a log and turned in before a certain deadline.
What Prizes are Given Out?
Every library is different and prizes are centered around their theme. At Fort Polk Army Base's Allen Memorial Library, for example, the theme is "Voyage to Book Island."
The children who participate are given a reading log with enough space to log 24 books (older children log their hours). The prizes for completing this first log include a beach ball, a flexible frisbee, and a foam puzzle. Once this is completed, another log can be filled out for even bigger prizes like t-shirts, a beach towel, and a beach bag.
Are There Limits on What Books can be Read?
There are no limits on what books can be read, but they should be age-appropriate.
Children who are in pre-school will be read books such as Little Critter and those about the alphabet and shapes. Second and third graders might be reading from the Berenstain Bears collection. And older kids would be more likely to log in hours with Harry Potter and The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
A third grader can read to a younger sibling, allowing both of them to log in books at the same time even if the stories are simplistic because the whole point of this is not for the children to read an entire list of age-appropriate titles, but for them to gain a love for books.
The Advantages of a Summer Reading Program
Parents who are overly rigid on programs like these may be missing the point of them. The major advantages of a program such as the one at Allen Memorial Library on Fort Polk is not to teach children to maintain specific guidelines, but for them to have fun. Along with having fun, they will also get to:
- Achieve set goals
- Have more quality time with mom and/or dad
- Increase reading stamina
All of the above are a part of what helps children become more successful and happy adults. The bonus is that while they are getting all of these advantages, they will also win some prizes along the way.
Related Articles:
Giving Kids a Head Start This Summer
Join the Conversation