Summer Reading Program Roundup, 2017

Now that the official "school year" is over in most parts of the country, and Summer has officially arrived, Summer Reading programs are gearing up! I thought I would mention some of the ones that I know about to help you encourage your kiddos to read through the summer.

Youngest a few years ago

BARNES AND NOBLE
Summer reading program for kids in grades 1-6  (May 16 - September 5)
Kids earn a free book when they fill out the B&N Summer reading journal with the 8 books they've read over the summer. Information required is Title, Author, and a sentence describing their favorite part of the story. Research the free titles available to earn to make sure there are books that are appropriate for your child/family situation.

Youngest loves reading
more than ever! 

HALF PRICE BOOKS
Feed Your Brain Reading program for kids PreK-High School (June 1-July 31). There aren't any of these stores local to us, but we may have to arrange to swing by one this summer when we go on our road trip to Montana! Kids can earn $5 in BookWorm Bucks for June and July. Those 14 and under just need to read 300 minutes each month, and teens earn BookWorm Bucks by reading and reviewing specific titles.

Eldest ages ago.
Can still be found reading...
It's become a life-long habit for her! 

Local Library Summer Reading Programs~ The reading program at our local public library has been one of the staples of our summer reading~ Make sure you check into yours. This year ours is using a new online log program that incorporates a story line and games. Should be interesting!

TD Bank offers $10 to be added to a new or existing savings account for your K-5th grade child when they read 10 books over the summer. (Deadline, August 31, 2017)

Have you found any other reading programs that you are planning to have your child participate in?
I'm sure we'd love to hear about them, so feel free to comment! :)
 

Blessings~

50 Summer Boredom Busters from Educents

I just received a note from Educents alerting me to the fact that they have pulled together an awesome list of 50 Summertime Boredom Busters for you and your children. I took a quick peek, and it looks like there are some really fun activities!

They also have a Free Educents Explorers Guide and Checklist to help you accomplish more fun this summer!
Check it out~

Blessings~

Summer Art~ Dragonflies

Just a quick little post tonight~
I often run across something I want to do, and bookmark it, or lately, just keep the tab open on my iPad. That way it is fresh in my brain!

It took me 2 weeks to get to this one, so we weren't able to submit it to Harmony Fine Arts at Home's "Slideshow" for the week of July 9.... but better late than never!

Youngest and I made pastel chalk dragonflies on a large drawing pad~ plenty of room for us to work side-by-side on the front porch. We followed this "Assignment" found on Barb's site by Tricia at Southern Hodgepodge. I've used a couple of her other projects, and they are very well done. I've not found the funds just yet to purchase her book, but it's on my wishlist. :)

If you try this project, I'd love to see the results!

Blessings~

Day 2 Of Five Days of Favorite Freebies (Summertime fun)

 

Thanks for stopping by again! I hope you enjoyed my post yesterday with information on finding free apps. Day 1 Favorite Freebies: Apps (iPad, iPhone/touch)

Today we'll focus on something non-electronic~ Free Summer activities~ 

Things to do at home (OK, some these are more "Frugal" than "Free," but I was inspired  :) )

• Sidewalk Chalk drawings~ 
• Some just for fun
• "sundial" silhouette
• Peter Rabbit!  

• More Sidewalk Chalk~
• This time it's Hopscotch! 
• "The Story of Ping" inspired
• Use wet chalk, or "paint" with water over your drawings to make the smooth areas

• Rock Art~ 
• Have a collection of pebbles?
• Beachcombers in the family? 
• Try making a rock drawing with your finds.

Summer Reading programs

Check with your Local Library~ Almost all libraries run one during the Summer

• Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program (earn a free book)(grades 1-6) (information for this year's program is not up yet)
• TD Bank Summer Reading Program (Earn a $10 deposit)
• MTA/ Red Sox Reading Matters (chance to win tickets!) (K-8) (Do a search for "baseball reading" and your local team to see if you are eligible in your area)
• Scholastic Reading Challenge (PreK-12th!)

Free Bowling

• Kids Bowl Free ( 15 and under 2 free games/day all summer. Shoe rentals extra)  
• AMF Bowling (16 and under 2 games free w/ shoe rental~ check for location) 
•  (Both of these programs include an option to purchase a pass for the grownups in the family as well, for a very reasonable price)

Free Movies

• National Amusements Bookworm Wednesdays Free Movies (Check for participating locations: Combo reading and movies)
• Regal Cinema's Summer Movie Express check back for times and locations

Summer Music Concert Series

Do a search "Free summer concert series 2012" and see if there is anything in your area. You can also add your town or city's name in the search if you don't find anything with the general search terms right away. I always check the surrounding towns to see where the music will be all summer long.

State and National Parks

Get the kids involved in the National Parks near you~ There are many that do not charge admission, so check the specific park to see what their policies are.

Local Libraries often offer free or discounted admission to state parks, museums, and other attractions, so be sure to check that option out as well.

Miscellaneous Activities

• Creative Kids at Home
• Target Arts and Culture (Free and reduced admission~ check for locations)  
• Discover Insects (Fact and activity sheets)

I hope this gives you some good ideas to get out and have some free fun this summer! Now, if you have a minute or two, go visit my friends, by clicking on the graphic below~ you might find something you are interested in! (If you have a minute, I know that comments are appreciated by all)

Blessings~

Some Freebies to get your summer going

Hey, Friends~

Now that it is getting to be that time of year again, I thought I'd post a little list with links for some free summer fun. If there are easily identifiable age restrictions I will note them. :) 

I will also add to this post as I find things that might be interesting. :) 



Reading~ 

• Barnes and Noble  Summer Reading Program (earn a free book)(grades 1-6)
• TD Bank Summer Reading Program (Earn a $10 deposit)
• Borders Summer Reading Program (earn a free book) (
• MTA/ Red Sox Reading Matters (chance to win tickets!) (K-8)
• Scholastic Reading Challenge (PreK-12th!) (If you don't have a teacher account and want to "join" our school, just let me know~ I can add students in. :) ~ There may be a deadline to register, but I can't find it just now) 

Entertainment/Activities~ 

• Kids Bowl Free ( 15 and under 2 free games/day all summer. Shoe rentals extra)  
• AMF Bowling (16 and under 2 games free w/ shoe rental~ check for location)
• National Amusements Bookworm Wednesdays Free Movies (Check for participating locations)
• Regal Cinema's Summer Movie Express (Select movies $1 on Tuesday and Wednesdays @ 10am... I saw one we might be interested in) check for locations
• Target Arts and Culture (Free and reduced admission~ check for locations) 

Science~

• Discover Insects (Fact and activity sheets) 

Miscellaneous Activities~

• Creative Kids at Home