All four of our boys enjoy reading. However, we often find that summertime lends itself to a more flexible or on-the-go schedule which sometimes makes us forget about important activities like reading books (and combing hair).
Last summer we tried offering a fun reading challenge that worked amazingly well. Why wouldn’t it? There were rewards involved.
How did it work? We kept it simple. For every five hours each child read, they received a reward. These were inexpensive and sometimes even free. But they are rare treats for our kids – so they picked up a book frequently.
Keep The Kids Reading This Summer
This summer, our three older boys will be gone more than they are home (mission trip, church camp, church camp, and church camp). During the few weeks they are home, they will be more than welcome to take part in this. However, it is our 10 year-old that is really diving in and taking the challenge. 
I created a fun chart for Malachi – which he promptly put on the fridge. (Again, the other boys will take part too – they just don’t have enough weeks during the summer to warrant a chart.)
Here are some of the rewards we’re offering for 5 hours of reading time:
- Pick a movie from Redbox.
- Get an ice cream cone from Runza (89¢ – yes, I can handle that
- Pick something from the dollar store
- Go to Captain Red Beard’s with Mom (this is our local coffee shop)
- Lego surprise ($4.00 mini-figure) You wouldn’t believe how much this motivates Malachi to get to the 5th week of reading 5 hours (25 hours total).
- Choose a meal for Mom or Dad to make
- Choose a dessert for Mom or Dad to make
- Choose a board game (from our stash) for a family game night
If by chance Malachi reads more than five hours in a week, he will be allowed to move on to “the next week.” This chart is flexible because our summer is flexible.
I created two “open” charts for you to download, print, and fill in with rewards that will motivate your own kids if you like.
Download and Print Summer Reading Challenge Printable 1
Download and Print Summer Reading Challenge Printable 2
Below is a chart without the “weeks” filled in so that you can make it work to meet your needs:
Download and Print Summer Reading Challenge Blank Printable
How do your kids do with reading in the summertime? Do they need extra motivation or do they naturally pick up a book and go for it?
Thanks so much for the printables! Great idea & I will be using for all 3 of my kiddos! I always enjoy your ideas, info and shares. Blessings to you all.
Is there any reason to have weeks listed on your chart? Do they miss the weeks prize if they don’t get that many hours in the 1st week?
No, the weeks listed is just to give them something to shoot for. But this week, Malachi finished his 5 hours by Thursday, so he’s on to the next week…this week. :)
I just added a blank printable chart to this post without the weeks listed if you’d like it. :)
I sign my kids up for the summer reading program at our library each summer. For every so many hours read, they get to pick a prize from the treasure chest. They love it!
I was going to suggest this, too. Our library system is run by the County, which also runs our public pool system so kids can earn free passes to the pools. And what kid doesn’t love swimming in the heat of summer?
I used to do this with my kids too when they were younger. So much fun!
Mmmmmm, RUNZA! Is it bad that is the only thing I got out of this? Born and raised in Bradshaw, and Tennessee certainly does NOT have RUNZA! :(
But also, fun ideas. Maybe I’ll reread this with a better attitude and actually try some of the ideas this summer! ;)