Summer Reading Program 2012

Summer reading programs are a great way to encourage kids to read through the summer, especially for us since we don't do school in the summer. But for the last several years, the incentives and prizes have left the kids feeling gypped instead of motivated. So, this year, I decided to hold the first annual "Bamberg family summer reading program". I assigned 6 books for Allison, Abby, and Grant to read by the end of August. Chloe has to read to me for 6 hours by the summer's end.


Each finished book earns our children a prize. (Each hour earns Chloe a prize.) I'm happy to report that our own summer reading program has been a success. Here is a list of the prizes the kids will earn:

1. Candy bar of your choice
2. Sleep over with a friend
3. Icee
4. Maximum $5 prize from the store of your choice.
5. Book of your choice.
6. Out to eat with the whole family

"Out to eat with the family" was supposed to be "out to eat with a parent when you finish the 4th book", but the kids unanimously voted that it should be the last prize instead, and that no one would collect on it until everyone had reached the goal of 6 books. I like that my children like to be together. :)

Allison's required reading list:
1. Stepping Heavenward (Inspirational)
2. The Greatest Among You (Servant Leadership)
3. Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? (Practical)
4. The Westing Game (Newberry)
5. The Hiding Place (Inspirational Biography)
6. To Kill a Mockingbird (Classic)

Abby's required reading list:
1. Stepping Heavenward (Inspirational)
2. Richard Wurmbrand (Inspirational Biography)
3. Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? (Practical)
4. Jacob Have I Loved (Newberry)
5. The Hiding Place (Inspirational Biography)
6. To Kill a Mockingbird (Classic)

Grant's required reading list:
1. Around the World in 80 Days (Classic)
2. A Wrinkle in Time (Newberry)
3. The Westing Game (Newberry)
4. The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax (Fun Mystery)
5. The Mysterious Benedict Society (Fun)
6. The Toothpaste Millionaire (Fun/Entrepreneurship)

Chloe is reading beginning reader books like Frog and Toad, Mr. Putter and Tabby, and Dr. Seuss.

For anything above and beyond the assigned list/hours, the kids can earn extra Icees or candy bars. The success of our own summer reading program could be gauged in Grant's question to me one day. He asked, "Mom, if you think this summer reading program has been a success, will you consider doing it again next year?" I most certainly will!

The friend prize has been a favorite!