Summer Reading Programs = free books

It's getting closer to summer! I don't know about you but I'm ready for some sunshine and some down time for the kids. We haven't had much of a Spring and I'm ready to start wearing Capri's and T-shirts! I am so tired of sweaters and jeans. The kids are so ready for a break from homework and reports. Bring on the sunshine and summer!

The one thing my kids have always loved is the summer reading programs that are offered by local book stores. My oldest is getting too old for them though! Bummer!! Why do they have to grow up so quickly!? There are several bookstores that participate and who doesn't love a free book!

BORDERS
Borders has the Double-Dog Dare Challenge for kids 12 and under to read 10 books and get one FREE! Go here to print the form and here to see a list of books that your child can select from for their FREE book.

BARNES & NOBLES
They have the Imagination's Destination Summer Reading Program. Kids read any 8 books and record them in the journal. You can download the form and see the list of free books that they can choose from here. They also have some activity pages you can download for both parents and educators.

HALF PRICE BOOKS
Last year Half Price Books offered a Summer Reading Program called Feed Your Brain. I couldn't find any information on their website with summer's 2011 information. So, check their website in a week or two and you should be able to find out the details. Last year, the program gave out free Half Price Books gift cards to kids who read for 15 minutes or more each day for at least 5 days. Seemed like a great program but we did not take advantage of this one since it's not in our immediate neighborhood.

CHUCK E. CHEESE
Chuck E. Cheese offers many incentive program. Kids can earn 10 tokens for reading every day for 2 weeks. Go here to see a list of all the programs that they offer and to print the reading log. They have logs from "potty training" to "no nose picking" where kids can earn FREE tokens! Seriously!!

PUBLIC LIBRARY
Check out your local library because most libraries offer a summer reading program. Our library offers a free book as well as a chance to put your name in for several different drawings like a $50 gift certificate to the mall or a giant stuffed animal.

If you would like to quickly print off some free bookmarks, go here or here and then print them on cardstock. Cut out the bookmarks, punch a hole in the top and then tie on some yarn or funky ribbon. Your kids will love having a new bookmark that you've quickly handcrafted for them!

Reading is a great way for kids to soar! They get to experience adventures, solve mysteries and learn in the process. Shh! Don't tell them about that last part. Help your kids develop a love of reading and reward them this summer by participating in one or more of the summer reading programs!

Freebies for Good Grades on Report Cards!

School's almost out and after all the hard work your kids put in this year they can kick off the summer with some great rewards. Following is a list of some freebies that I've heard may offer your kids a "reward" for their good grades! Make sure you phone ahead to see if your particular store is offering these freebies though.

*Baskin-Robbins -- Get a free scoop of ice cream for good grades on your report card!

*Blockbuster -- Get a free family friendly movie rental for A's on your report card for grades K-12!

*Cheryl & Co -- Get a free cookie for every A on your report card!

*Chick-fil-A -- Bring in your report card showing all A's and B's and receive a FREE 8-pack of nuggets!

*Chuck E. Cheese -- Bring in your most recent report card and your child will receive FREE tokens for good grades (up to 15 tokens per child)!

*Family Video -- Get a free rental when you show your good report card!

*Krispy Kreme -- Get a free donut for each A (up to 6 A's)!

*McDonalds -- Students with straight A's can get a FREE Happy Meal!

*Pizza Hut -- Each marking period, any child who has 3 A's or the equivalent thereof, will receive one Personal Pan Pizza and a small soft drink or carton of milk by presenting their report card to the manager (dine-in only and for Elementary and Middle School children)!

*Sbarro Pizza -- Any student with A's and B's on their report card automatically becomes one of our PizzAchievers. Sbarro will provide every PizzAchiever and an accompanying adult with a FREE slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza and a small soda!

*Topps -- The Topps of the Class program has been created to give you a great trading card gift when you put your mind to work. Every time you bring in a report card to this store, the manager awards you with a gift!

*Limited Too -- Get $5 off any Limited Too purchase when you take your report card to the retail store within 30 days! I wonder if Justice will honor this now...may need to make a call on this one!

*Credit Unions -- I've heard that some credit unions will deposit $5 in your child's account for a good report card. Anyone been able to take advantage of this and what Credit Union??

*IBC Bakery Outlet Store -- Students with A's and/or B's will receive a FREE Hostess or Dolly Madison snack cake and parents will receive one FREE loaf of bread at participating bakery outlets; click here for more information.

I have not personally taken advantage of these but read about them on the internet through various couponing websites. As soon as we get those report cards though, we will be making some calls to see who in our area is participating! Do any of you have any other "grade deals" that you can let us know about in the comment section or have you tried any of the above offers??