Summer is in full swing and nothing motivates children (at least my kids anyway!) more than the promise of sweet treats.

Here is what my son, Joey (age 7),  received at the local library today after returning his summer reading club sheet:

My next several posts will all offer tips, strategies and ideas to keep your child reading and writing in fun, meaningful and authentic ways.  Summer Reading Tip #1?

Join your local libraries program.

Most libraries have them and are a wonderful way to keep kids excited about reading.

Here is a link to the site for our local library system (Lower Merion Library System):

http://www.lmls.org/summer-reading-clubs/

On the first day we joined, Joey came home and wrote a poem on Spiderman so he could check off the box for “Write a poem.”  After 8 checks, he will earn a reading certificate.  He also receives a prize at each visit (with a free book on the third time).

A cookie, plastic toy and free book might not seem that exciting to us.  But if it keeps my kids motivated to read and write (and engaged with something other than asking to watch t.v.), it’s well worth it.

So join a library program today.  Or at the very least, go visit your local library and take home some books.  Read my next post for a few of my favorite titles to try and for more summer reading tips!