Summer is a great time for kids to kick back and relax without the pressure of homework, but a recent study from NWEA revealed that children in 3rd to 5th grades lost, on average, about 20 percent of their school-year gains in reading during summer break. According to James Kim, Ed.D., an assistant professor of education at Harvard University, “Things like decoding, letter knowledge, and word reading skills are very susceptible to decay without frequent practice." It's all about balance.
Prevent Learning Loss- Here Are 5 Free Summer Reading Programs!
*FREE The San Diego Public Library Summer Reading Program
The San Diego Public Library is inviting kids of all ages to sign up for this event and venture beyond the beaten path and read! Complete a combination of 10 books, hours of reading or activities to claim your prizes. Sign up begins June 1st and the program will last through August 31st. Adventure is just one book away! My child has participated in this reading program for years and loves it. Past prizes included gift cards to Chipotle, free museum and Legoland passes.
Register by visiting: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/kidsandteens/summerreading
*FREE Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
Participation is a fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read a designated number of books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part in our Reading Journal, and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal and collect their free book from a store near them during July and August. My child has participated in this program, and it's really a fun way to motivate kids to read more. The book prizes are age appropriate. Sign Up By Clicking Here!
*FREE Scholastic Read-a-Palooza Summer Reading Challenge
The Scholastic Read-a-Palooza Summer Reading Challenge is a free, educational program in which kids can enter reading minutes online to unlock exclusive digital rewards and help donate books to kids in need across the country. Ask your child’s teacher or local librarian if they’re participating — if not, you can register your child individually.
Visit: https://www.scholastic.com/site/summer-reading.html
*FREE The New York Times Summer Reading Contest
Middle and high school students are invited to tell The New York Times what they’re reading in the newspaper and why. The winner's article will be published in The New York Times. This contest runs from June 10 to Aug. 19. Anyone age 11- to 19-year-old anywhere in the world can participate. Every Friday starting on June 10, the paper will post this question: “What got your attention in The Times this week?” Here is an example from last summer.
For details visit: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/11/learning/summer-reading-contest-week-1-what-got-your-attention-in-the-times-this-week.html
Free Play Points @ Chuck E. Cheese For Reading Books and More!
Kids can earn Chuck E. Cheese rewards by reading books, doing chores and more. Simply track their progress on printable incentive charts and bring a completed calendar or behavior chart to Chuck E. Cheese and receive 10 free play points or tokens as a reward. For more information visit: https://www.chuckecheese.com/activities-and-downloads/
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