If you are looking for activities to keep your kids busy this summer, summer reading programs are a great start! Not only do kids earn free items, they practice and develop their reading and spelling skills, and enhance their imaginations.
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READING BINGO
Here are some of this summer’s best free reading programs:
1. The Public Library
Dates: June to mid-August, may vary by county
Ages: Toddlers, Kids, Teens & Adults
Rules and dates vary by county, check your local library for details.
At our branch, this years theme is Adventure Begins.
Check your local library for additional events, many offer author visits, crafts, games, and fun book-related activities.
Some counties offer themed t-shirts for purchase.
Pick up paper logs at your local branch or register and download one online.
Earn stickers, books and other fun prizes. Even mom and dad can get in on the fun!
2. Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
Dates: July 1- August 31, 2024
Ages: Kids in Grades 1-6
Read 8 books then complete the reading journal (available form your local store or download online). Kids should include the book title, author, and a short statement describing their favorite part of the book and why they liked it.
Return the completed log to a nearby store and select your prize – one free book from a selection of books available at the store.
With reward books by beloved children’s authors including Gertrude Chandler Warner (The Boxcar Children), Kate DiCamillo, Rick Riordan, and Pam Munoz Ryan there is sure to be a prize to suit everyone.
See the complete list here.
3. Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp
Dates: June 1-July 31, 2024
Ages: All kids under 18 years old
Kids will earn $5 in Bookworm Bucks after logging 300 minutes of reading. They can spend these bucks in any HPB store for $5 off anything in the store.
Book suggestions and recommendations are listed by age group – 3-5y, 6-8y, and 9-12 years.
This is a digital program, no traveling required. You will need a printer so your child can complete the dot to dot, coloring activities, scavenger hunt, and other themed pages.
Register on the website and download the reading log from the Half Price Books website.
4. Scholastic’s Home Base Summer Reading Program
Dates: May 9 – September 12, 2024
Ages: School Age
This is an online reading program, available on iOS and Android.
Download the Scholastic Home Base app and sign up. Registered kids will have access to books, games, music, and an opportunity to connect with other readers.
Participants are encouraged to read every day and to keep their reading streak going. The longer their streak, the more virtual rewards points they unlock.
5. Reading is Fundamental
Dates: Summer Months
Ages: Kids and Their Families
Reading is Fundamental is one of America’s largest literacy nonprofit organizations.
Participants in this program pledge to read all summer long, reading can be done individually or as a group, including family read-a-louds. Registration gives the student access to a reading log, scrapbooks, postcards, coloring pages.
This summer students can participate in virtual field trips, reading themed books, watching videos and completing activities.
Themes include ‘On the Go’, ‘Under the Stars’, ‘Energize and Exercise’, ‘Lights, Camera, Action’, ‘Fun in the Kitchen’ and ‘Imagination and Invention’.
In addition, your child can watch a read aloud followed by a discussion with other participants in the virtual book club. Read alouds take place on Fridays at 1 and 3 pm. Check the website for book titles.
For family fun, Book Bites online reading calendars have daily reading themes, fun holidays, and suggested book titles. Click on each date to learn more about that day’s theme.
6. The Good and the Beautiful Summer Reading Program
Dates: begins May 1, 2024 (while supplies last)
Ages: Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Register and you are eligible to add one book per child in your household from a select list. These will be sent to your home for a small shipping fee of $1.79 per pack. Each pack contains one book, two book marks, a reading chart and a sticker sheet.
Kids are to read five books, write the title of each book, and place a sticker on their chart. Sticker charts can be downloaded here, (the teal button 2/3’s down the page) or you may create your own. Parents are encouraged to come up with their own prizes, or use the free book as an incentive.
7. Books-A-Million Summer Reading Adventure
Dates: begins April 2024
Ages: School Age
Register online and print the reading log. You can access it here. Read any 4 books from the Summer Reading Adventure list (even though this years theme and prize is based on the Wings of Fire series).
Complete the log by writing about your favorite character and part of the story. Once completed, return the log to a Books-A-Million store and redeem for a free water bottle (while supplies last).
8. Pizza Hut Camp BOOK IT!
Dates: October 1, 2024-March 31, 2025
Ages: Kids ages 4-12 years
Pizza Hut has been sponsoring this reading program since 1984. You must be an English/Language Arts teacher or a homeschool parent with a student between the ages of 4-12 years. Homeschool co-ops are not eligible.
Once enrolled, you will use your digital dashboard to set goals and track reading progress. When their monthly reading goals are met, the student will receive a digital coupon via email for one free personal pan pizza! Redeemable at at participating Pizza Hut restaurants. Kids can earn up to 3 pizzas this summer.
This program supports paper and digital enrollment, though the homeschool program is digital.
