I truly can't remember a time when I didn't love reading. I love everything about reading. Libraries and book stores are among my favorite places. My favorite way to spend time with my children is to read with them. In addition to many wonderful picture books, we've shared a few chapter books this summer. I know I'll always treasure those used paperbacks that I read aloud from as we took two long road trips.
Since I love reading so much, especially reading with my children, it may come as a surprise that we don't participate in the library's summer reading program. You see, my children also love books. My oldest is starting to read on her own and she's very happy with her new skill. My other two children will sit and listen to books for as long as I'm willing to read to them. After careful consideration, I decided we had very little to gain from a summer reading program. Sure, we might get a free book or two, but at what other expense?
One of my children is very competitive. I know that if we'd participated in the reading program, that child would have become so focused on filling up a book list that the goal of reading would have been to fill the paper, not to simply enjoy the pages of a book. I'm very thankful that my children enjoy books. I'm not willing to jeopardize that love for a free paperback.
Now, as a former teacher, I'm all for getting children to read as much as possible. If a reading program works for your child, go for it! Even though we don't participate, I'm grateful for the option and thankful for the hardworking library staff! Perhaps when my children are reading independently, they'll choose to participate in such a program. I'll happily support them. Until then, we won't worry about writing down what we read. Besides, I have other things that I need to get them to love, such as cleaning up their rooms!
So, did your children participate in the summer reading programs? Did they find any new good reads?