Best Non-Summer Reading Programs for Kids
by Sun Bae

Hi everyone.

Based on reader feedback, and also since December marks the month of gift giving, I’ve decided to write a brief article on the best non-summer reading programs for kids. 

To be honest, although there are tons of summer reading programs out there, I didn’t think there would be too many available during the off-summer months.  And although my hunch was correct, I was still able to find several that translate into free food, entertainment, and prizes for your kids. 

The great thing about participating in these programs is that knocking off the reading lists should be relatively simple since your child can write down the same book that she read across multiple reading programs!

So without further adieu, here is the list of the best non-summer reading programs.

BookAdventure

Intended for grades K-8, kids choose and read from a list of books on the website.  Once your child finishes reading the book, she completes a quiz consisting of around 10 questions.  Based on how well she did on the quiz, your child will receive points which then can be cashed in for prizes.  Prizes range from fun activity books to chocolate bars.  You will need to create a log-on ID and password on the website to participate in this program.

Old Spaghetti Factory Rewards of Reading Program
Intended for kids 10 and under, read 5 books and get a free Kid’s Meal.  I couldn’t find any sort of form to list the 5 books, so I recommend just listing them on paper just in case they ask which books your child read.  Also, I would just make sure that this offer is on their website so you can print out and bring with you to the restaurant to redeem your child’s prize.  That last part about bringing the physical offer to the restaurant may be viewed as paranoia on my part, but I like to play it extra safe.

Chuck E Cheese Reading Rewards
Did you know that Chuck E Cheese offers free tokens for other stuff such as good manners, sleeping all night, tooth fairy, etc.?  Anyway, for their reading program, all the child has to do is just read (since there’re no guidelines on how long, I would just assume at least 15 minutes) each day for two weeks (14 days).  Complete the Reading Rewards Calendar as your child reads and bring it to the nearest Chuck E Cheese.  They will then give you 10 free tokens with the completed calendar and a pizza purchase.  This offer lasts until 12/31/09.

Happy holidays and see you next year!

Sun

Note - The links to the reading programs mentioned above are:
BookAdventure
Old Spaghetti Factory Rewards of Reading Program
Chuck E Cheese Reading Rewards

 



Sun Bae is the father of twins and has been homeschooling ever since they could talk. 

He is also the creator of ProntoLessons, a website that offers a homeschool curriculum in American history for kids ages 6-8.

Specifically, his website includes 37 lessons that cover the immigration history of the American people; why they left their homes, what challenges they faced when they arrived to the U.S., and the contributions that they gave to our great nation. 

The lessons are 100% scripted, which are perfect for homeschool educators who may not have had too much experience teaching in a more "formal" setting.  Also, the lessons, intended as a 37-week full school year curriculum, is offered free to families who choose to use them.

Contact Sun by visiting ProntoLessons at http://www.prontolessons.com.