San Antonio Busy Kids

Summer is almost here—a time for playing, relaxing, and taking a break from school. But even after all that hard work your kids put in over the school year, summer can also be the time where they fall behind from the progress they made. It’s ‘summer brain drain’ or the ‘summer slide’ that can make for a rough transition when your kids go back to school in the fall.

But don’t worry! There are lots of ways you can keep your kid’s mind active and learning through the summer. One of the best ways is to participate in summer reading programs. That takes you – mom and dad – out of the picture of harrassing little Johnny to read every night. Oh, yeah. Been there. Done that.

Instead, these programs provide awesome incentives to get your kids to hit the books all by themselves. And you’re the hero because you get to take them to redeem their prizes.

H.E.Buddy Summer Reading Club

It’s as easy as Ready? Set. Read!  Check out H.E.Buddy’s Clubs & Contests, and print out the Reading Club Form. Then pick out 10 books and get started. Log each book read and when you finish, just mail the form in to claim your child’s reward for reading.

Half Priced Books: Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program

For kids 14 and under, just read 15 minutes a day for an entire month, which automagically turns into 300 minutes before you know it and boom- you earn a $5 HPB Back to School Bucks reading reward. Download a reading log to keep track of minutes and check out some of their reading suggestions.

Barnes & Noble: Imagination’s Destination Summer Reading

Download and keep a reading journal over the summer with Barnes and Noble. Your kids can read any eight books and then write a little about why they would recommend each book in their journal. When they finish your child can trade in his journal for a free book off the B&N reading list!

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge

Geared towards kids 12 and under, go online to sign up and check out some of the fun reading activities you can do at home with your kids. There are reading guides for kids of all ages. Log your minutes to earn cool rewards. Check out their minute map to track minutes being logged around the world and join in to help Read for the World Record.

Mayor’s Summer Reading Club

Get a clue…at the Library! The Mayor’s Summer Reading Club launches June 1^st. This year, your child can read like a fun, sleuthing detective on his own,  aloud, or even online. Register and keep your reading log online or on paper. Be a part of the Reading Club and read eight books independently, or join the Read-To-Me Club (perfect for little ones) and log 15 books. When your child completes the club requirement, she can claim her certificate and select a free paperback book to keep the reading going.

Rockin’ Rabbit Reading Summer Program

The Twig invites you to read along with Max, that book loving bunny, and document your child’s reading success throughout the summer. When your child turns in their reading record, they’ll get kid-friendly goodies to reward their progress. Join Max at the kick off event on Saturday, June 2 at 10:30 am and share sweet summertime snacks, a fluffy bunny craft, and, of course, stories about Max and Ruby. You can always count on The Twig to keep reading fun!

Know of any other awesome Summer Reading Programs? Share in the comments below!