J has recently finished traditional school lessons and, boy, was she excited. She has been making great strides with her reading. But I couldn't help to think that her reading would suffer if she didn't continue to practice over the summer. So, I challenged J to read 100 (or more) books this summer. At first, she sat wide eyed and exclaimed that 100 books was a lot. But when I explained to her that it meant one book a day for the summer months, she was okay with it. To motivate her more, I offered a trip to the local toy store for a toy that was "within reason." Believe it or not, a toy store trip was all it took. She doesn't get to go too often and is looking forward to a new toy.
Some guidelines for her reading challenge -
she had to read at least 100 different books (to keep from reading the same book 100 times)
she had to read them out loud to me or family members (to ensure reading practice)
the books could not be "toddler" books, they needed to have a certain word content like leveled readers and such
she had to keep track of the titles of the books by writing them down on a chart
100 books had to be read by the end of summer for her toy store trip
the bonus toy is not to exceed a certain amount of money (no $100 Lego or Play Mobil kits)
Now, I know some parents would balk at the idea of offering a "prize" for reading. J loves to read and I know that she wouldn't "need" a new toy or such to continue reading over the summer. I felt that the prospect of offering the carrot would push her to overcome the magnitude of goal I set. All she heard was 100 books and instantly thought that it would be unattainable. But, by offering the reward, she became intrigued. She has had her eye on some mechanical fish/shark that swims in water and asked for it for her birthday. Now, she can earn it through reading without having to wait until November.
To help her keep track of the books she reads, I found some summer reading charts on Teachers Pay Teachers for free (links below). After she reads a book, she writes the title onto her reading log and colors in a shell (for a visual). So far, to date, she has read 24 books. She has been amazed at the progress so far, in just a week! Perhaps 100 books was not difficult enough.
This book challenge doesn't require too much preparation and it can be easily attained where-ever you are. No special trips to any store, no pre-planning involved. She will be able to work on her challenge while traveling without too much stress. And most of all, it doesn't feel like school. She reads anyway, now she is more motivated to read out loud and I can monitor her progress and ensure practice over the summer months.
What will you challenge your kids to complete this summer? Will you participate in our 100 book Summer challenge? Good luck and happy reading.
Summer Reading Log Printables
Casey Hallett - the shell chart that we are using for a visual came from her printable, I know that the shells are used for minutes reading as opposed to books but I liked that there were at least 30 shells to color on each page. I printed it three times and explained that it was all most 100 books when the chart was finished.
Jen Johnson - has a free printable chart where the titles of the books and authors can be recorded.
Ashley Reed - has printable summer calendars that the books could be added to each day read.
Lora Webster - has an early reader chart where the child can color a bear for every book. This challenge doesn't have to be for readers only, a younger child can participate with a parent's help. Don't leave out the younger ones.
If you have any other ideas for Summer, I would love to hear of them.
