Kick Off Kids’ Summer Reading — No Excuses!

Our school district requires all students to engage in summer reading. When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to load up on a staggering stack of books. But (sigh) not every kid wants to grow up to become a librarian!

Every year, the district librarians introduce the summer reading project to the students. All students entering Grades 3-11 must read at least two books from a prescribed list. We couldn’t make it easier. We read passages (the funny bits, the juicy parts). We show video trailers to whet their appetite. The district mails home graphic organizers. Teachers show up on selected days over the summer to help the students understand the books. The public library makes extra copies available. The PTA even gives them one of the books as a summer gift. We do everything but tap-dance on the library tables.

Summer Reading … Oh, No!

Still, every year:
Me: “You must read two books over the summer.”
Kids: “What if we don’t?”
Me: “You really have to. It’s not a choice.”
Kids: “But what will happen if we don’t?!
Me: “This is coming from the superintendent of schools.”
Kids: “Yeah, but what if we don’t?”
Me: “It’s only two books [sounding desperate now].”
Kids: “But I’m going to baseball camp.”
“I have swimming lessons.”
“My parents don’t want me inside reading all day [good one!]”
“I don’t think I can find those books.”
Me: “We are giving you one. We will have copies of the others available. So, here are the books you have to read over the summer.”
Kids: “But, what if we don’t?”

Me: [SIGH] “Just do it. No excuses!”

Here are a couple of bookmarks to kick off your summer reading:

Kick Off Summer Reading Bookmarks

Sail into Summer Reading Bookmarks