Soar with Reading via Magic Tree House and JetBlue!

As an educator and mom, I know the importance of keeping children reading over the summer. Why? The "summer slide" is real! I have seen so many children regress over summer break. This makes the school year more difficult and students feel discouraged and lacking in confidence. Encouraging your children to read during their summer break is a simple but extremely beneficial endeavor. I understand that amidst all the fun and carefree days of summer, getting kids interested in reading isn't always easy. That's why I was so excited to participate in this sponsored campaign for JetBlue's Soar With Reading program. (I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for JetBlue. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.)

JetBlue has partnered with Random House and beloved Magic Tree House author, Mary Pope Osborne to bring you this summer's Soar with Reading program. The Lil Divas and I were SUPER excited when we saw the Soar with Reading display in the airport during our recent travels to San Francisco. The Magic Tree House series has been one of our favorite series for years.  Personally, I have been sharing Jack & Annie's adventures with my students for many, many years. These books are perfect for the classroom because they impart historical facts in a way that is just so captivating to young readers. My students always wanted to know more about the topics covered in the books. Isn't that what it's all about - igniting that spark and nurturing a child's curiosity and desire to know more! 

The Magic Tree House books were among the first chapter book series that the Oldest Diva embraced. She became so engrossed in Jack and Annie's adventures that she wanted to read them one, after the other. Finding an amazing chapter books series early on that she could read independently while readily identifying with the characters (Jack and Annie were kids just like her!) and that contained adventures that she not only learned from but that kept her turning the pages is one of the reasons that she went from a reluctant reader to an engaged reader - thank you Mary Pope Osborne. 

These days, the Littlest Diva is happily reading through her big sister's copies of Magic Tree House.  Our book shelves are lined with books and both girls have embraced many series but Magic Tree House remains one of our favorites and we always look forward to reading new titles from the series. 

Looking for a way to extend your current Magic Tree House book? Enriching your child's reading experience with fun activities, crafts and discussion is a great way to aid their comprehension and get them even more excited about reading. Hop over to the Soar with Reading site. 

There's lots to do including getting your own printable passbook that you can use this summer. You can download great printable activities based on various Magic Tree House books. You can even listen to excerpts of Magic Tree House books being read-aloud. Don't forget to vote for your favorite book, send some fun e-cards and read through a complete list of ALL the Magic Tree House books in order to help you plan your perfect summer reading list. The site also offers details about upcoming events (the next event is in my old hometown - New York) and you can watch a message from Mary Pope Osborne which gives more details about the program. 

This summer, as you and your child(ren) explore all that the Soar with Reading site has to offer don't forget to watch Mary's clues and take a guess about where Jack & Annie are headed next. We have been making our daily guesses.  Every guess you make will be helping get books to children in need. How awesome is that? What an easy way to help other children get the books they need to keep reading this summer. To date, JetBlue and the Soar with Reading program have donated over $331,350 worth of books and counting. You can guess every day and help JetBlue reach their goal of donating $500,000 in books to children in need. 

Be sure to enter the Soar with Reading sweepstakes for a chance to win one of six first-prize trips throughout the summer, which will include a JetBlue Getaways Travel Certificate for two and an autographed copy of Magic Tree House #52: Soccer on Sunday, or a grand-prize drawing, with first prize being a JetBlue Getaways vacation for up to four people and a Magic Tree House boxed set of books. Second prizes, which include a Magic Tree House boxed set, will also be awarded. 

If you haven't had the opportunity to explore a Magic Tree House book yet, the website is a great place to start. These books are a great way to encourage summer reading and engage your child(ren) in a reading adventure that will captivate their minds with thrilling stories that involve travel, history, science, friendship and more. 

We still have lots of books on our summer reading list and we're looking forward to reading more of the Magic Tree House series. The great thing about books is that you can take them anywhere, even during your summer travels. Books have definitely made our long car rides, airplane rides and waiting times pass by in a blink this summer.

What books are on your child's summer reading list? Do they have any favorites they are looking forward to reading this summer?

Disclosure: All opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was genuinely excited about sharing this #sponsored #MC #soarwithreading program because Magic Tree House books have been a favorite in our home and in my classroom for years. 

Happy Reading,

Bern

Top 10 Ways to Get Kids Reading This Summer

Summer is here. School is out. 

Everyone wants to have fun in the sun.

School takes a backseat to summer camp, vacations and playdates. It's understandable. It's was a busy and long school year but it doesn't have to be all or nothing. You know that reading over the summer will keep your child actively engaged in learning. The question is not what benefits reading offers a child - you know it is beneficial. So, how do you keep your child reading when summer fun is beckoning? I'm going to share 10 tips that work for me with the Lil Divas. 

* Remember, not all children are the same so some of my tips may not work for your child. Try a few of my suggestions, adapt them as needed and simply encourage your child to read this summer. *

1. Let them choose the book. I've learned the hard way that children are more apt to read what they are drawn to versus what we think they should be reading. I steer my girls towards material that is appropriate to their age and reading level then let them decide which book to pick up. Sometimes that means it may not be the one I would choose for them. I am ok with that - I prefer for them to be excited about reading their choice versus reluctant to read my choice in books. 

2. Encourage variety. Magazines, cookbooks, comics, e-books - it's all fair game. Not only does this make reading more exciting but it also exposes young readers to a variety of media which will be beneficial to them in school.

3. Visit local bookstores and libraries. Expose children to the multitude of reading material available to them. It is plentiful, take advantage of it. Bookstores remain one of our favorite places to visit as a family. There's something there for everyone in the family. Make it a fun family outing. 

4. Set a goal. Sit down with your child and ask them to set a goal for the summer. Whether they strive to read a certain number of books, aim to finish a certain series or endeavor to explore new genres - setting a goal gives them something to work towards. 

5. Be a reading role-model. How can you tell your child to read if you never pick up a book yourself? I have always been an avid reader. When I was younger my parents used to have to stop me from reading because it was all I wanted to do - imagine that! My girls do not have the same voracious love of reading I had as a child but I do my best to show them that reading is fun and books are a wonderful way to stretch your imagination. 

6. Schedule reading into your day. We read at bedtime throughout the school year. This isn't always an ideal time during summer so I try to set aside an additional D.E.A.R (Drop Everything and Read) time for us at least a few times a week. We all spend time reading during the day for at least 30 minutes. We may all read our own books or we might read a book together - the important thing is that we make reading a priority.

7. Get crafty. After reading a book enjoy an extension activity. Make a craft, whip up a recipe related to the story, paint a picture, make a character puppet or anything else that strikes your fancy. It will make the book memorable and it gives your child something to look forward to after reading. 

8. Start a Summer Book Club. Get together and talk about the books you read during the week as a family. It's a great way to get siblings interested in books and is an easy way to check your child's comprehension. Better yet - start a summer book club with your child's friends. Everyone can meet once a week to share and chat about their books. Doing something with friends always makes it better and what's better than a book party (says the unabashed book lover)?

9. Go beyond the book. Watch the movie (if there is one), visit a place central to the story, go to the museum or do online research on the person, place or event if applicable. Bringing the book to life in a concrete way makes it exciting, memorable and it may even spark a new interest or hobby. 

10. Encourage them to participate in incentive programs. There's nothing better than receiving a reward for all your hard work. There are many programs that offer free books, money and other treats for reading a certain amount of books. Check out the link for info on some of my favorite summer reading incentive programs. 

This post is part of the KBN's 2nd Annual School's Out Top 10 Blog Hop.

Be sure to check out all the posts in the 
School's Out Top 10 Summer Blog Hop
and check out our Pinterest Board for lots more ideas.

Have an amazing summer full of fun, lots of reading and learning!
Bern

FREE Kids Summer Reading Resources

School's out for summer! 

Keeping your children reading and learning is essential.

I know we ALL need a break from the school projects, homework, etc.

Yet, in order to keep our children from moving backwards and forgetting

some of the concepts they learned throughout the year in school

it is important that they continue to stay actively engaged in learning.

Reading is a wonderful way to keep their minds active over the summer!

PLEASE NOTE: Even thought this is an old post 

ALL Links will take you to current year's reading program info! 

I update the links every year for readers. 

*UPDATED for 2017!*

I have always been an avid reader.  

I know too well that not all children enjoy reading on their "free" time.

Providing children with a small incentive for their reading usually makes it more exciting because they have a "goal" to work towards.

The following programs are FREE for your child to participate in

& many of them offer a small incentive or reward for completion.

Summer Reading Resources 

1. Scholastic's Summer Challenge - is a great FREE online resource! Kids log minutes read to earn rewards and read for the World Record. They have lots of great info, lists for different age ranges and even challenge books if your child is up for it. Scholastic is even has a Summer Reading Timer App which is FREE. 

2.  Sylvan's Book Adventure  is another fun & free way to motivate kids to read. Kid's find a book from the list, take a quiz and earn prizes for their reading success. In the Parent's Place parents can monitor their child's reading progress, track and view their quiz results and even approve prize selection.

3. To participate in Barnes & Noble's Summer Reading Program kids have to read 8 books, record/log them in their Imagination's Destination Reading Journal and turn it to your local Barnes & Noble store anytime between May 20th thru September 2nd to earn a FREE book from the list printed on the back of the journal. You can print your B&N Summer Reading PDF Journal here. 

4. Pizza Hut's Book It! Summer Reading Challenge for kids in grades K-6th. They also have lots of tips, activities and printables for parents and teachers too.

5. TD Bank Summer Reading Program runs June 1st thru August 31st. The program rewards children who read 10 books during the summer with a $10 deposit into a new or existing Young Saver account. Print your TD Bank Summer Reading Form Here

6. Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards - kids read everyday for 2 weeks and win 10 free tokens. Document their reading on the Reading Rewards Calendar provided and take it into your local Chuck E. Cheese. They also have lots of other reward calendars.

7. Half-Price Books Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program - Kids read a minimum of 15mins a day until they total 300 minutes. Turn in completed logs in June and July to earn HPB Bookworm bucks.

9. Books-a-Million Summer Reading - Read any 6 books listed on the summer reading form and return your completed form to a local BAM! store to receive a free gift while supplies last (while supplies last). 

*updated for 2017 - The 2015 program will highlight The Maze Runner series' James Dasher! Grab your BAM Summer Reading Journal and get started. 

10. JetBlue's Soar with Reading Program highlights The Magic Tree House a beloved children's book series. We participated in the program and you can check out more in-depth info here.  

*Note - The 2017 Program begins June 27th. 

11. PBS Kids Summer Reading Program  has 10 weeks of ideas for a summer of adventure through learning. Check out the entire program - there are so many fun activities. Get your PBS Reading Journal here.

Local Library Summer Reading Program

This year's theme is Build a Better World and it focuses on science and literacy. Check your local library to enroll in their Summer Reading Program. Ours is for the Broward County Library System.  Check your local libraries for more details or visit the Collaborative Summer Library Program website.

Sync is a summer program just for TEENS! Each week they have new books to download for FREE (must use the overdrive app). Parents can read more about the program here.

Looking for more summer learning resources? 

Check out Education.com's Summer Learning Series for children ages K thru 6th grade. Each week they have different printable resources to help keep students engaged and learning all summer long. 

I'll keep adding resources to this post as I get more information!
Do you know of any other summer reading programs? Please share. 

Let's keep our kids reading this summer!

Bern

Phonics and Reading Activities {The Sunday Showcase 5/24/14}

I know, I know it's called the called The Sunday Showcase & it's Monday!

I apologize but it was the Lil Diva's 7th birthday 

and well that trumps everything else, doesn't it? 

So here's this week's Sunday Showcase (a few days late) -

School is almost out and the teacher in me can't help but plan ways to keep 

the Lil Divas reading and learning amidst all our summer fun. 

You do know that's super important, right?! 

To get you motivated, I'm shining the feature spotlight this week on some fun and easy Reading & Literacy Based Activities that were shared with us on last week's Sunday Showcase.  

Which ones will you try this summer to help prevent the dreaded summer slide?

Click any of the links below for the full post and how-to's 

on these Reading and Phonics Activities shared on last week's linky.

Encourage your kids to read outside their comfort zone with this fun and motivational Summer Reading Genre Challenge 

(KC Edventures)

If your children or students need some extra phonics practice 

this summer then you'll want to take a peek at these FREE printables: 

Free Beginning Sounds Coloring Pages

(The Measured Mom)

Check out all The Measured Mom's free printables 

for even more learning fun.

ABC Phonics Ladders

(3 Dinosaurs)

Be sure to check out all the FREE printables 3 Dinosaurs has to offer!

There are tons of printable learning activities on her blog.

----------------

Here are some of our favorite Reading Activities for kids

from Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas blog. 

Looking for some great books to keep your children engaged in reading over the summer? Check out these lists for some of our faves -

20 Great Book Series 

for 1st & 2nd Graders

Beach & Ocean Themed Books 

for K-2nd Graders

Chapter Books for K thru 2nd Grade

Looking for more ideas?

Don't forget to peruse our 

Reading (for kids) Pinterest Board.

I love pinning awesome ideas from around the web for my girls to try.

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Now it's your turn to share!

Do you have fun children's activities to share? 

Please share them with me in the linky, 

by commenting below or by visiting our Facebook page. 

Be sure to link up your child centered ideas while you're here.

I love to see what everyone is doing.

If you have been featured, grab a button you deserve it!

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The Sunday Showcase is hosted on FOUR blogs!

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
Here Come the Girls

Inspiration Laboratories

JDaniel4's Mom

Each blog showcases their own features so be sure to check them all out!

If you are here for the first time please read this informational post for the full details.  Anything kid friendly and/or child centered is welcome!  You are welcome to share more than one post,  but we don't accept links for giveaways,  shops, or downloads for purchase, etc.  They will be deleted.

If you're linking up we encourage you to visit other links 
& our Pinterest board!  

*Important* 

Please note that by linking up you are giving us permission to use a photo (with proper link to you!) in our featured section and on our Pinterest board!  

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Link up and share your child centered ideas with us!

Bern

An InLinkz Link-up

Summer Reading Activities with a CWIST

I have been sharing some of our summer learning fun with you. The Lil Divas are really enjoying their summer writing journal prompts and we have even tackled their summer reading. 

I recently shared with you that I was chosen to be a cwist blog ambassador. As part of the program I must be upfront and disclose that I have received paid compensation (for placement of digital advertisements and sharing our personal cwist experiences) but the genuine excitement for the program is mine - all mine. Hands down it's just an awesome site for kids and such a wonderful tool for us parents and teachers. My girls are little techies so what cwist has to offer is perfect for them. It gives them a bit of digital time while involving them in real world activities and experiences - you just can't beat that. 

In my last post, I shared how I would be utilizing cwists to motivate and encourage summer learning. Today, I am excited to share the cwist I created for the Youngest Diva's summer reading book - Miss Nelson is Missing. 

This year the Lil Divas did not have any activities to complete for their summer reading books. I like to extend our books with activities to ensure and check comprehension so I decided to make my own activities utilizing the cwist site. 

This particular cwist incorporates 10 comprehension questions in a simple multiple choice format,

a compare/contrast activity utilizing a venn diagram

and the illustration of a new book cover for the book.

The Youngest Diva enjoyed the book and the extension activities. She really liked getting on my laptop to answer the questions on the cwist site and asked for more. This mama will surely be making more book activities for her on cwist. Thankfully, it is super easy to set-up! Seriously, it took me just a few minutes. 

Cwists can be as simple or as complicated as you want. Since you are the creator, you get to make all the decisions. Which means you can tailor them to suit your child's interests or even those of your students. As a teacher, I know cwist would be an awesome tool to utilize in the classroom.

You can keep your cwists private or share them with the public (I shared mine!)  so others can use them as well. They have an amazing library of cwists with more being added daily. Topics include - community, creating, exercise & sports, family, learning, physical activities and now summer reading. There is so much to do and learn with on cwist. You have to try it!

Cwist is currently offering email registrations. Just visit the cwist site and click "request invitation" at the top of the screen to access all the great cwists on the site. You can also follow cwist on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. 

Happy reading & cwisting!

Bern

Disclosure: I am a cwist Blog Ambassador. I am receiving compensation for testing the site with my own children and sharing our experience with you. All opinions are 100% mine and honest. Your opinions and experience may differ. 

Easy Craft Stick Bookmark Craft for Kids

Reading is a priority for us. We enjoy reading together and it's something we do daily but I have to admit that it gets a little hard to keep up with our daily reading during the summer. To keep the Lil Divas motivated to read this summer we are taking in part in a few awesome summer reading programs, delving into some fun new chapter book series and enjoying lots of crafts and activities.

One of the crafts we recently enjoyed was making our very own personalized bookmarks. I wanted to encourage reading and give the girls a chance to express themselves creatively. We all loved how they turned out. The bookmarks were super to make, each one was unique and it served as great mommy-daughter time because even I made one.

What You Need:
Jumbo Craft Sticks
Sharpie Permanent Markers (Assorted Colors)

What To Do:
Provide your child with the craft sticks and markers and let their creativity be their guide! The great thing about this craft is that they can do whatever they like - draw a picture, create a pattern, write words, etc. It's entirely up to them.

Here's what the Lil Divas and I made:

Aren't they fabulous?! We LOVE them and all 3 of us have been making daily use of our personalized bookmarks.

What will you & your child(ren) create?

Bern

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Although they have been added for your convenience, I do receive a small commission for items purchased via my links. Thank you.