Summer Reading Challenge for Kids
— 2019 Edition
by Jennifer Garry
As end-of-school-year activities ramp up and summer plans are solidified, I’m a little bit nervous about the summer slide.
I have two daughters. My oldest has been a voracious reader from the moment she could open a book — she regularly plows through multiple books in the course of a day. My youngest is a struggling reader who loves stories but becomes understandably frustrated when she can’t seem to crack the code. Getting her to read this summer is going to be … less than fun.
I created this Summer Reading Challenge with both kids in mind. It will add an extra layer of excitement for strong readers, and it will allow reluctant readers to incorporate some of their strengths into their reading experience.
Just promise one thing: You won’t make this a chore. Instead, encourage a lifelong love of books and reading by making this a fun adventure. If your child is struggling, read along with them. If they hear an activity and come up with their own version that’s more fun for them, let them run with it. The important part is that they’re engaging with books on a regular basis.
Below you’ll find a preview of five ideas from our Summer Reading Challenge. Want more? Scroll down to download a printable version of all 20 ideas!
We’d love to see what your family does with these challenges. Tag us on social media @ReadBrightly and use the hashtag #brightlychallenge for a chance to be featured!
- See how many silly places you can read this summer: on a trampoline, under a table, in the bathtub, in a closet with a flashlight. Have a friend or family member keep track, too. At the end of the summer, compare your lists and pick your favorite spots.
- Start a pen pal book club. Not going to see your BFF much this summer? Start a book club and send each other letters about the book(s) you’re reading. Little readers who aren’t writing yet can send thoughts to friends and relatives in video form instead.
- Weeklong challenge: Read a different book by the same author each day.
- Read a picture book or graphic novel. When you’re done, continue the story with artwork in the style of the illustrator.
- Cut up construction or scrapbook paper and create a paper chain to keep track of how many books you read this summer. Write a mini book review on each of the links.
