The Ultimate Summer Reading Challenge for Kids
Reading Time: 6 minutes Listen to the podcast version:
Make a splash with a summer reading challenge
Are you looking for a fun summer reading challenge for the kids?
Creating a summer reading challenge for kids can be a great way to encourage them to read and develop a love for literature.
By setting goals, choosing books, creating a plan, rewarding success, keeping it fun, and staying motivated, parents can help children achieve their reading goals and have a memorable summer.
Encouraging Reading Habits
To help children stay motivated and engaged in their summer reading challenge, it’s important to create a plan that works for them.
- Set aside dedicated time each day for reading.
- Create a cozy reading nook, or special place to read at home.
- It is summertime! Create a fun outdoor reading space.
- Read aloud to your child regularly, even if they are old enough to read independently.
- Encourage them to choose their own books.
- Reward and celebrate progress and milestones.
- Attend book-related events together: bookstores, libraries, author signings, etc.
Creative Reading Activities
Reading can be made even more exciting with creative activities that encourage kids to engage with the books they read.
- Book Journals: these help your child interact with their book.
- Book Club: create a book club with your child’s friends so they can talk about the book together, and read together over the summer.
- Book Scavenger Hunt: Choose items from the book your child is reading and hide them, creating a scavenger hunt.
- Character Trait Matching Game: Cut out or create pictures of characters from different books and have your child match them with their corresponding traits.
- Vocabulary Bingo: This one is more like learning, but it is still a game!
If your child is tracking vocabulary in their book journal, write the definitions down.
Have the child created bingo card, placing the words anywhere on the card.
You say the definition, they mark the word! - Word Search Puzzles: these are so much fun!
Create word search puzzles based on key concepts, characters, or items from your child’s book.
*Try https://thewordsearch.com/maker/ to make your own puzzles. - Book Themed Crafts: there are many to choose from, here are a few examples:
- Character bookmarks
- Storybook puppets
- Literary dioramas
- Book cover posters
- Story stones
- Literary mobiles.
- Book character masks
Reading Challenges and Incentives
Sometimes, reading is not at the top of the “I really want to do this”list.
Setting up a challenge with goals and incentives can help!
Celebrating Small Successes: Every time a child reaches a reading goal, take time to celebrate their accomplishment.
This could be as simple as giving them a high five or a sticker.
Planning Special Rewards: For reaching major milestones, such as finishing a book or reading for a certain amount of time, plan special rewards.
These could be something like a trip to the library, a new book, or even a small gift.
Keeping Track of Accomplishments: Encourage children to keep track of their progress by keeping a reading log or chart.
There are both paper and electronic book trackers available.
Incentive ideas:
small gifts (think dollar store)
book themed items
stickers
badges (or social media badges)
reading certificates
outing
extra screen time
read with the pet
extra pool or park time
Specific Challenge Goals/Ideas
A summer reading challenge can be as simple or complicated as you make it.
It can be as easy as your child reads a set number of books or pages by the end of the summer, each week, or each month.
Or you can set goals and challenges to help your child stretch in what they actually read.
Be forewarned: many children who do not enjoy reading, may not enjoy a challenge that has them explore many different kinds of ideas and topics.
Here is a list of 30 suggestions for your challenge:
• A book that has been made into a movie
• A book about animals
• A book that makes you laugh
• A book that makes you cry
• A book about a famous person
• A book that takes place in another country
• A book written by an author from another country
• A book that is part of a series
• A book about a holiday
• A book that is a classic
• A book about a sport
• A book that teaches you something
• A book that is a mystery
• A book that has a one-word title
• A book about a superhero
• A book that takes place in the past
• A book that has a happy ending
• A book that has a sad ending
• A book that is based on a true story
• A book that is a fairy tale
• A book that is a new release
• A book that has a beautiful cover
• A book that takes place in space
• A book that takes place in the future
• A book that is a biography
• A book that has won an award
• A book that is a graphic novel
• A book that is a poetry book
• A book that is a picture book
• A book that is a chapter book
• A book that is a retelling
• A book that is science fiction
• A book that is a mystery
• A book with a number in the title
• A nonfiction book
• A book set in a place you want to visit
Mom, do you want to have a fabulous book to read while the kids are reading?
I have recommended my fun and frivolous books in past blogs, so I will let you in on my favorite book club books!
This is list of 31 books that you can take a “bite out of” and are perfect for book clubs!
I am an avid reader. I have been "collecting" titles of FABULOUS and FUN Books for years.
In this list I share:
- 30+ Books
- I have read EACH and EVERY book
- What I think of each book
- Each one leads itself to great discussion
- Different genres and audiences
- They do all link to Amazon- if you buy...Amazon will send me a very small "thank you."
Great for discussion
Description for each
Different Genres
I have read EACH one!
A summer reading challenge can be a fun and engaging way to encourage children to continue reading throughout the summer months.
By incorporating creative activities, challenges, and rewards, children can have a blast while improving their reading skills and expanding their knowledge during the summer.
If you love the idea of a summer reading challenge, but do not want to organize it yourself, head to your local library!
Many libraries host summer challenges for the kids as well as have free events and activities to keep your kids busy and having fun all summer long.
What are some of your favorite books for kids?
Let me know in the comments below.
I’d love to hear from you!
***My favorite picture book of all time: The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch.