June 1, 2012

Summer Reading Chart 2012

It's June 1st and that means summer reading!  The kids are always excited to start their summer reading charts from the library, from Grandma, and from home.

Last year's reading incentive plan worked really well, and I would have done it again this year except that we are trying to sell our house and I can't have stuff all over the walls while people are coming through.  Instead, I came up with an incentive that will be easy to take down for showings, can move easily with us to our new house, and I think is still fun and motivating, and probably more complicated than it needs to be, because I like to do that to myself.

First, I made coupons on the computer for various prizes.  Prizes this year include money, ice cream, new books, prizes from the prize basket, movie days, and play dates.  I made 20 coupons for each child, then cut them up and put them in an envelope labeled with the child's name.  That way I can make sure each child receives all the same things by the end of summer reading.

*This post contains affiliate links

summer reading coupons to get kids reading!


Next I pulled out my balloons, counted out 6 for each child, and assigned each child a couple of colors.  Maren's balloons are red and pink, Joshua's are yellow and green, and Christopher's are blue and orange. I then took 6 coupons out from the envelopes for each child, folded them up, stuck one inside each balloon and blew it up.  I used pretty small balloons.

summer reading coupons to get kids reading!


I made 18 X shaped slits in a piece of poster board and stuck the end of the balloon through the holes. I put the poster board up on the wall with tape, as well as a piece of paper for each child to write the names of their books on.

summer reading coupons to get kids reading!


When the kids have finished an approved book, they get to pop one of their balloons and see what prize they won.  I'll then replace the balloon with another one of their color using an extra coupon from their envelope.

summer reading balloon pop incentive. Great idea for encouraging kids to read this summer!


Maren was very excited to start reading today.  I told her she needed to be all done with morning chores before she could start a book, so last night she made a schedule for herself so that she'd be able to start as soon as possible.  It went something like:

1. wake up, make bed, be dressed by 6:55 (she didn't quite make this deadline)
2. practice violin until 7:30
3. eat breakfast until 8
4. leisure time until take J to camp (this part was my favorite)
5. practice piano until 9
6. READ!!! (she had more exclamation points, but I'll spare you)

And she and Joshua are both upstairs reading right now.  Another great part about summer reading is that when the kids are reading, it is nice and quiet and there is no fighting for a while.  Hooray for summer reading!

Summer reading balloon pop incentive - great idea for encouraging kids to read this summer!



If you liked this idea, be sure to check out my other summer reading posts!




And follow my summer fun board on Pinterest!



9 comments:

  1. I think I'm going to have to do something like this this year. You always make things so fun!

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  2. This is so great! We'd love if you came and shared this at our link party this weekend, "Strut Your Stuff Saturday." Have a great weekend! -The Sisters
    http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/05/strut-your-stuff-saturday-link-party_25.html

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  3. Soooo I have to this too!!!!! Great idea!

    I do hope you are planning on sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality! :)

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  4. This is such a fun, colorful, creative idea! I am featuring you at TGIF this week - http://www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/2012/06/tgif-linky-party-33.html! Thanks for linking up and I look forward to seeing you again this week =-)
    Beth

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  5. That's really fun Erin. Maybe I can try to get as organized as you some day.

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  6. Shared this on my fb page! Thank you so much for linking up to {wow me} wednesday!

    Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com

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  7. Awesome! I love this. Found your link on TGIF. I am a new follower!
    Lori @ Cachey Mama’s Classroom

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