Summer Reading

It’s summer time and I don’t know about you but I really try to keep my kids challenged academically throughout the summer. All my plans last about a week…except our reading charts. We have been using this chart for several years and it has proven hugely successful partly because my kids enjoy reading (for the most part) and because they earn money.  The amount is small per book but it adds up to a good amount when they are done.

“You will earn 10¢ for each book up to book 50. After that you will earn 20¢ for each book you read up to book 100. When you are done you will have earned a total of $15.”

For younger readers the books were 5¢ then 10¢. And instead of always earning free books they would earn prizes too. Most of my kids read 100 books the summer before they entered 1st grade. So when the challenge came that year in school to read 100 books they already knew they could do it.

Our system for tracking was X’s. The kids would put one line through the book number when they finished reading that book.  I would put another line through the square (making an X) when I paid them - but maybe you won’t forget when and how much you paid them. I do.  Or you can simply pay them when they finish 10 books at a time. Whatever works for you and your child. They also earned new books (2nd store, usually) which kept them interested and motivated to keep reading.

You can DOWNLOAD this chart if you would like to try it out for your kids this summer. Two charts included - girly and you know, not-so-girly.  Happy summer readying!