This is not a sponsored post, although I have worked with Scholastic Books in the past. I am passionate about encouraging literacy in children, which is why I am sharing it.
The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge has officially launched. It’s perfect timing for us, as my son’s school does a BOGO Scholastic Book Fair every spring. I’m sending Jake off this week with money to stock up on all his favorites. For him, that will likely include any Captain Underpants and Diary of a Wimpy Kid books that he doesn’t already own (if there are any left!).
As I do every year, as soon as the Challenge launches, I love checking out the Parent Resources. My favorite is the book list. Jacob will be 9 this summer, so I’m checking out the 8-10 selections. He also reads at a higher grade level, so I’ll also look into those books.
In addition to the fabulous lists, you’ll find reading timers, tips and even a star chart! This year’s theme for the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is “Reading Under the Stars.” This appeals to Jacob because he already reads by a book light in his bed. He’ll really enjoy hanging out on the back deck his comfy beanbag chair and reading under the wide-open sky. In fact, they even had a welcome message from astronaut Leland Melvin! Check it out!
Top Ten Tips for Getting Kids Reading this Summer
Scholastic put together this fabulous infographic filled with great tips to keep your kids reading all summer long. Take a look!
After signing up for the challenge, kids can log their reading minutes (online and on smartphones) as they Read for the World Record, enter sweepstakes to win fabulous prizes, and earn digital rewards when they complete weekly reading challenges. As they log their minutes throughout the summer, constellations will light up and unlock a video message from a REAL astronaut.
Visit Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge website to learn more.
What books are your kids most excited about reading this summer?
My forth, going into fifth, grader will have a book assigned and with my little man who will be going into second grade, they have to read a few “just right” books.
My son is excited about taking abreak from reading. Our school requires the children to read so many book a semester that son is just excited to take a break.
This is so incredibly sad. What a way to squish a possible love of reading right out of a child.
I would try hard to work with the teachers on that one… alternatives, etc. Find a way to leave room for him to read books he can love. Just one of the reasons I homeschool. Each of us has to do what we think is best, I guess.
Our library has a reading challenge every year with prizes donated by local businesses. My girls love participating in that!
I plan to have my son read a lot over the summer. That is his main area where he struggles at school
My kids love to read which makes me so happy. I love to encourage young readers and this seems like a perfect plan.
Since I am a Literacy Specialist, I support any initiative that gets kids reading. It is very important to support them maintaining their reading stamina over the Summer.
I remember a reading list back when I was in school! My son only recently started reading so his level is still a bit low! Hoping by the time he goes to school next year he will be ready!
I just got the Song of Ice and Fire series for my son so I know he’s looking forward to reading that! I may have to read them after he finishes.
Looks great! I’ve always loved Scholastic and their creativity!
Great tips! My daughter loved summer reading but it was hard to get my son into it. These tips are very similar to what we did to get him interested.
Great tips, I believe that it’s always great to get kids reading at a young age. The younger the age, the better.
Summer reading programs are on our list every summer! Looking forward to checking out some good ones with the kids this year!
I think having a specific goal is a must and maybe several of them to make sure that you stay on task. I also love the idea of going beyond the book and taking trips to explore the book a little bit more in depth.
What is it with boys in this age group (mine just turned 8) and Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Captain Underpants? The only other thing I can get mine to read is Big Nate. At least they’re reading!
I’ll have to tell Jake about Big Nate. He’s running out of Underpants and Wimpy kids books to read!
Reading at younger ages is so important; I started reading young and was way too advanced for all of my classes through school. It made me do very well in my academics.
Some fantastic tips – I always used to (and still do actually) love reading in the summer – there is something extra special about being able to sit in the garden in the sun with a good book. x
We always doing the summer reading program at our local library but the last 2 years the requirements has been a lot harder and the rewards are pretty lame. Not much motivation for my kids anymore; so I’ve been looking for alternatives to have our own summer reading program. This is fantastic and perfect timing as the kids only have 2 weeks left for school!
My oldest son went through a spurt where he did not want to read and letting him pick the books helped a lot. Sometimes they might have just been a comic book but I did not care as long as he was reading.
This is great! My son LOVES to read!! I love buying books but the library is our BFF. Josh is a serious speed reader. Usually within 30 minutes he can finish a chapter book and know exactly what happened!
I REALLY hope my son is a reader like I was. So far so good 🙂
Awesome challenge! The schools here have a summer reading challenge each year and the kids really get into it. It’s a great way tot encourage reading
My son is excited about starting some chapter books. My daughter is excited about her new Pony Club books.
We love Scholastic for many reasons. This is a good reason to add one more to the list. 🙂
I think thats the only time I can read is in the summer. I guess I hould say when I want to. Outside and around beautiful flowers.
Great tips for kids!! I was always very keen in ensuring that my sis read during summer vacation as well… otherwise kids get bored and lazy..
This is awseome! This program must be new. I’ll definitely share this with a few of my friends.
I loved these book fairs when I was a kid, and I am so glad they still do them. Anything that encourages kids to read is a great thing. Do they still do summer reading programs at libraries? I used to win every summer for the most books read. Guess that is why I like to write now 🙂
My library still does summer reading programs for both kids and adults. I won two years in a row. 🙂
We aren’t to the point of reading alone, but I promised my daughter we would read a lot this summer! I love these tips!