Why read over the summer?
The benefits to readers in a summer reading program include:
- encouragement that reading become a lifelong habit
- reluctant readers can be drawn in by the activities
- reading over the summer helps children keep their skills up
- the program can generate interest in the library and books
Listed below are summer reading programs that cost nothing and the children can enjoy over the summer.
Waukesha, Vernon, Muskego Public Library Summer Reading Program
https://bridgeslibrarysystem.org/summer-library-program/
New Berlin Public Library Summer Reading Program
New Berlin Public Library : Calendar : Summer Reading Program:
West Allis Public Library Summer Reading Program
Summer Reading Program | West Allis Library, WI
All the libraries include special programming for students during the summer and all feature prizes such as tickets to the Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee Public Museum, Wisconsin State Fair. Not all programs feature the same prizes.
Half Price Books
Half Price Books "Feed Your Brain" Summer Reading Program
Half Price Books - Summer Reading Camp
Kids 14 and under can participate and earn Half Price Books® Bookworm Bucks.
Kids 8th grade and under read 15 minutes a day. (Grown-ups may read aloud to kids who are still learning.) Once they've reached 300 or more minutes, they can bring their logs to claim their Bookworm Bucks. High school students get to write a short review on a recommended book. Promotion valid June 1 - July 31, 2022.
Barnes and Noble Reading Program
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading
Fostering a Love of Reading and its Rewards
This program has been designed with activities and challenges that kids will find fun no matter what kind of books they like to read. Best of all, to earn a FREE book all they need to do is answer simple questions on the back of their Summer Reading Journal, (found online at 126443-06BNJournalSheetPrintable.pdf (barnesandnoble.com)
and turn in their completed journal between July 1 and August 31, 2022..
Booklists for reading
A truly wonderful source of booklists is at http://www.HAISLN.org.
This list of titles has been compiled by librarians at member schools of the Houston Area Independent School Library Network (HAISLN). It includes both fiction and nonfiction books by some of the best authors for children and young adults. It is updated annually and lists are graded for Pre-Kindergarten through High School.
Tips for Summer Reading
1. Read every day. Set aside time each day for your child to read, and set a good example by reading during that time yourself, as well! 2. Read out loud. Try letting your child read to you, or to a pet or even a favorite toy.
3. Location, location, location. Keep things interesting by choosing different places for your daily reading time—in the backyard, front yard, at a park, on the beach, at the library, etc. 4. Start a book club. Read the same book your child is reading, and talk with him or her about it to help develop comprehension and analytical skills. 5. All choices are good choices. Encourage the reading habit by letting your child choose his or her own reading material, even if it’s popular fiction or something else that may not be your first choice. 6. Listen up. Give audiobooks a try! The whole family can listen to them together at home or in the car, or your child can listen solo with headphones. 7. The library is your friend. Take your child to the library regularly, and while you’re there collect information about any summer reading clubs, activities, or events they offer. Most libraries have programs with easy-to-reach goals and age-appropriate reading lists! 8. Try variety. In addition to books, encourage your child to read magazines (older children can read the newspaper, as well!). Some suggestions to help expand their horizons and their vocabularies: National Geographic Kids, Odyssey, Time for Kids, Ranger Rick, Highlights for Children, and Sports Illustrated for Kids. 9. Read everywhere! No matter where you take your child, read aloud traffic signs, billboards, and anything else you see. If you’re going on a longer trip, teach your child how to read a map and let him or her help navigate by reading you directions. (While waiting in lines at Amusement parks, I kept a book of short stories [usually scary] in my pack and read aloud to make those lines shorter.) 10. Record it. Encourage your child to collect souvenirs (postcards, photos, ticket stubs, etc.) throughout the summer and create a scrapbook, writing captions for each item he or she includes. 11. Bring your scrapbook or reading log back to school and impress your school librarian.
And here is a list of some fun, free and educational websites that you can feel good about letting your child visit.