Frugal Living: 8 Tips For Creating Your Own Home Summer Reading Program

frugal home summer reading program.jpgCan't join the local summer reading program? Make one yourself. Here are 8 tips to help you get started.

There are a number of reason why participating in the free library summer reading program isn't feasible for your family.

1.  You're a one car family and the provider takes it to work.

2.  You're trying to limit trips to save on gas.

3.  You don't have a library in your area.

4.  Your schedule prevents you from making it to the library during operating hours

Whatever the reason -- you can still incorporate a summer reading program with rewards, entertainment and fun, just make your own version.

Here are some tips to help you create a library of sorts in your home:

1.

Create a special reading nook --

Use pillows, a rug or even decorate a reading chair.

2.

Rotate your book inventory --

Remove the favorites and incorporate some new books from yard sales, used book stores, thrift stores etc.  You might even look on

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m or

for children's book lots.

3.

Start a bookswap --

Do you have playdates with other moms and their kids? If not maybe grandmama has a few books you could borrow for the summer.

4.

Create a "check-out" card or sheet to post near the library

- Encourage your child to fill out the form, you stamp it or put a sticker on it and give them a return date.

5.

Alphabetize your library --

Even though you can't make it to the real thing, you can still teach your children about finding books by the author's name.

6.

Create reading charts --

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7.

Create rewards --

Make a treasure box, set goals and provide rewards for their efforts.   You'll also want to have benchmark goals, 50 books = _________, 100 books = ___________ etc.

8.

Let them make their own bookmarks

-- Poster board, magazine cutouts, markers and stickers are all you need.  Get a pair of whole punchers and tie a ribbon at the top.  You

could also recreate these magnet markers on the cheap

.

DON'T FORGET THE FREE BARNES & NOBLE SUMMER READING PROGRAM

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f area reading programs.

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