we added a fun twist on our #SummerReading this year

*This #SummerReading post is sponsored by Scholastic although all opinions expressed are my own.*

We have done our best to stay up on our reading for these few short, summer months we have had. We weren’t perfect every week. Some weeks we definitely did better than others. But we did the best we could. I have shared a few posts with you over the summer months of things we were doing with Scholastic, and staying true to that definitely helped us stay on track. We had a goal in front of us. I always think people work better with goals. There is no doubt about that! But since kids work best visually most times, we did something outside of our reading goals…like, the minutes. We did a reading chain. There is something about seeing the girls add a link to the chain that would excite them. I’m sharing below how we did this – I’d love to hear how you can adapt to your liking too! For starters though, I wanted to share our TOP 5 book picks that we read this summer. Each of my girls got to pick one (minus the baby), and then I had to throw in what I was reading as well as what my hubby was reading. Here is the kicker though – I’m using 5 WORDS to tell you why. How about them apples?!?! 🙂

My 9-year old :: Michigan Chillers: #13 Gruesome Ghouls of Grand Rapids – scary, surprising, page-turner, creepy, local author.

My 6-year old :: Rainbow Magic: Kylie the Carnival Fairy – fairies, wonderful, bad guys, surprise, colorful.

My 4-year old :: Dora’s Rainbow Egg Hunt – eggs, games, rainbows, search, guessing.

My choice :: Little House on the Prairie series – family, simple-living, anticipation

My husband’s :: The Giving Tree – simple, meaningful, inspiring, generosity, love

Ok, on to the reading chain!! I cut up a bunch of strips of colored paper, that we picked up at Michael’s together, and had them ready for stringing. As soon as the girls would finish a book, I would keep the tally and once a week we would add the book to our chain. So, one day a week we would make the chain.We decided against a full chain. I was worried it would break, and then I would have to keep fixing it. So, we created our reading tunnel. The girls LOVED this fun thing we did this summer! Also, before you go, I had to share this video. It would be a waste if I had these great tips and DIDN’T share them with you.

Scholastic’s Maggie McGuire has 5 easy tips for making reading a priority for your child, like setting a weekly minutes goal, reserving special time to read together as a family, and celebrating reading accomplishments. It’s not too late to get your kids reading.

Further resources ::
Scholastic has joined together with ENERGIZER® to power the 2015 Summer Reading Challenge and encourage families to find innovative ways to discover the power and joy of reading. It’s not too late to take part! Now through September 4^th, visit Scholastic.com/Summer. Click the links below for a sampling of the fun resources you’ll find with Scholastic:

• Unlock Original Short Stories from favorite Scholastic authors!

• Find Parenting Resources including Summer Reading printables, activity sheets, booklists and more!

• Play the Innovation Machine Game – a fun and creative writing game and contest!

• Visit “Videos in the Stacks” to receive reading tips for parents from Scholastic’s Maggie McGuire!

Ok, I lied….one more thing. But, games! Who doesn’t like to play games? The Energizer Instant Win Game is a crowd pleaser for sure.

Energizer® and Scholastic are partnering to create the “Power the Possibilities” campaign which gives moms the tools they need to unlock their child’s talents, fuel their ambitions and set them up for future success. Parents can buy any specially marked pack of Energizer® brand batteries to scratch for a chance to win one of thousands of prizes that will power discovery and learning.
 
Prizes include a family trip to New York City, a Scholastic Study Corner Makeover, a tablet with Scholastic apps, a library of Scholastic books and more! Everyone who plays can also download free digital stories for their family.

What was the one thing you and your family did this summer that made you smile ear-to-ear? We still have about 1.5 weeks left before my girls go back. I’m taking any advice you all have for me! :0

Keep learning ::
Sign up for the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
Find more Scholastic Resources to keep your kids reading all summer long!
Learn more about the Energizer® Instant Win Game
Follow @Scholastic on Twitter
Like the Energizer® Bunny on Facebook