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Many of the local libraries run summer reading programs. Some have lots of activities and incentives while others do an activity a week. It all depends on the community. They are a fantastic way to keep kids reading over the summer.

Studies have shown kids experience “summer slide,” meaning they lose some of their skills over the summer if they don’t keep working at them.

I don’t know about you, but my kids work hard. I don’t want them to lose a couple of months worth of progress over the summer.

Summer reading programs are a fun way to motivate kids to read so they DON”T lose all their hard work.

What do you do if you can’t be part of a summer reading program?

I know summer can be hard. Sometimes it just isn’t possible to join a summer reading program. You work during the day, you have a wide range of ages, and it is an ordeal to get them to programs at different times. Or maybe your local library doesn’t have a program.

Maybe you just want to stay home and not run All. The. Time.

Whatever the reason, if you’d like to add a little fun to your summer, you can come up with your own at-home summer reading program.

But how?

I’ve got you covered.

Moms have busy lives. So I decided to come up with a simple planning guide to help you. Now you can come up with YOUR OWN summer reading program. It is easy to adjust to meet your family’s needs, AND you can decide how long you want it to be. It can be one week, three weeks, or all summer long. You decide.

Getting Started with a Summer Reading Program

Pick a Theme

You can follow the same theme the libraries are using, this year it is A Universe of Stories, or pick what interests your kids.

You can even pick a different theme each week.

You decide.

Find Activities

Do you want a few activities to do a week or one each day?

Do you want to come up with a specific plan for each day and rotate through it each week but change the activities?

Needs some ideas for fun activities you might want to include? Check out 7 Simple and Fun Summer Activities for Kids.

Track Progress

Make sure the kids keep track of their reading. You can use stickers, punch cards, or coloring sheets. (PSST… I have some sheets below.)

Rewards and Incentives

Think about how you want to reward kids for their reading. Do they get a sticker for so many minutes read, a bead for a necklace, or a small prize?

Final Celebration

Your kids have done the reading; now, find a way to celebrate. You could have a picnic, a field trip, get a new book, or a trip to an ice cream shop. The kids will love celebrating all their hard work.

{RELATED: Summer Bookmark Trackers and Printable Summer Journal}

Sample Summer Reading Program

I gave you some general things to think about. Let’s take a look at what you could do.

I am including some handy sheets below. It will help you plan out your summer reading program for elementary kids AND teens! Yes, teens can get in the action, too. I’ll talk more about that in a minute.

Anyway… here is a sample plan:

Theme: Insects

Activities:

• Monday- (book and craft) Read Bugs, Bugs, Bugs by Bob Barner. Make clothespin butterflies.
• Tuesday- (Kitchen Time) Make fruit butterfly snacks with orange slices (wings) and grapes (body).
• Wednesday- (Let’s Get Moving) Grab long ribbons and fly around like butterflies.
• Thursday- (Game Time) Play “butterfly” tag.
• Friday- (Movie) Watch a movie or show about butterflies like Magic School Bus.

The next week you can choose a new insect and substitute the activities that are based around that insect.

Along with the activities, your kids are reading! They are trying to fill up their reading tracker to get fun rewards or see how much they can read in the summer.

Teen Summer Reading Program

Now teens are not going to want to make little crafts and dance around. BUT you can give them challenges and some weekly things to choose from.

Maybe Space Adventures is your theme for the summer. Each week your teen has activities to choose from that have to do with space. They can do all five options or only do 2 or 3 a week.

Plus, teens will love a summer challenge. Give them different challenges like reading a classic, reading ___ many hours this summer, or doing a book review.

If your kiddos need some ideas for fun books to read, 12 Book Series for Tweens Recommended by Tween. Or if you are looking for some fun family read-aloud, 10 Fun Books to Read to Your Older Kids.

To Help You More with a Summer Reading Program

I have created a Time Tracker and Summer Reading Program packet (with plans and blank pages) to help you get started. I have packets for both young kids and teens, so don’t worry if you have different ages.

Download your FREE Summer Reading Trackers, and Summer Reading Program Plans below.

Reading is so important. Keep your kids motivated to read with a fun summer reading program at home. No piling everyone in the car, no running around, and no crowds. It is a great way to enjoy summer and read together as a family.

Now go get started!

What do you do to motivate your kids to read in the summer?