Students have a lot of social reading experiences during the school year; they go to the library with their classes, they have book discussions in small groups in class, and they participate in school-sponsored reading challenges. Participating in a summer reading program allows kids to be part of a reading community.
Collaborative Summer Library Program
Many U.S. public libraries participate in CSLP's themed summer reading program. The program usually offers a loose structure that helps set reading goals. Students are often given optional summer reading lists and a way of keeping track of reading. Libraries usually give participants a packet with a summer reading program time sheet, a free bookmark, a list of optional activities that help build a reading community.
This year the Collaborative Summer Library Program has is divided by age so that it can be differentiated. The 2010 summer reading program invites elementary kids to "Make a Splash: Read." Tweens and teens can participate in the "Make Waves at Your Library" program. Libraries should have different activities and rewards for each group. Most libraries offer a certificate for completing goals at the end of the summer.
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program for Kids in Grades 1-6
The 2009 B&N summer program author, Rick Riordan, returns as part of the 2010 series. This year focuses on the 39 Clues series, which is a collaborative series involving many authors. Riordan wrote the first book in the series, The Maze of Bones. Several of the 39 Clues authors will be making appearances at Barnes and Noble locations. Although Barnes and Noble has not yet released the cities and stores where the authors will appear, the scheduled authors are:
- Patrick Carman
- Margaret Peterson Haddix
- Gordon Korman
- Peter Lerangis
- Linda Sue Park
- Rick Riordan
- Jude Watson
The authors are also going to participate in an online blog, so even if they aren't coming to a particular state, kids have a chance to read how the 39 clues authors are getting involved in the summer program.
After downloading the Summer Reading Passport from BN.com, kids write about eight books they have read. Gifted readers can read higher than grade level books, and they can choose higher than grade level books off the free book list when they go to the Barnes and Noble bookstore to turn in the passport.
The completed passports are essentially Barnes and Noble coupons, because the free books are in the children's book section and the passports are redeemed at regular checkout station where people buy books. There is a limit of one free book per child, and they must be redeemed by September 7, 2010.
For a gifted reader, summer reading programs are icing on a long-anticipated cake. Kids will be reading anyway, the programs are rewarding and fun. Parents should note the cut-off dates for rewards. Libraries have cut-off dates for recognition certificates, and Barnes and Noble warns that quantities are limited. .
Alex Sharp - Alex Sharp is a teacher who has been keeping Suite101 readers up to date with the latest in audio- and e-book gadgetry since 2008.
