But how will I keep my kids reading if there is no incentives?

What do you do in your home to increase reading? 

There are two schools of thought regarding rewards or incentives for reading. 
1. You read because you are supposed to and the reward is the completion of the book.
2. Sometimes children need rewards and external motivators to read. 

I have read many articles and listened to multiple lectures for each side. I have come to the conclusion that neither are right, but neither are wrong. Children are different and their approach to reading and parental support approach will differ as well. I say...if it works for you and your kid, do it! That means, whatever works for your child is the right way. Don't be frustrated if that way doesn't work for each of your children. We celebrate their differences and tell them all the time how life would be boring if we were all the same. Learning is different too! 

Check out Ms. Sarah's class page for all sorts of good info on helping your reader. 



From our friends at Mult Co Lib School Corps:

Ideas for Helping Beginning Readers:
But I Don’t Like Reading

Reading is important to success.  For most people, it is an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend time. But for some children, reading is low on the list of “fun things to do.”  It can be very frustrating to hear a child say “I don’t like to read!” But it can happen. Be a good listener.  Try to find out why your child resists reading.

• Is reading difficult? Check with your child’s teacher to see if she or he is having trouble reading at school.
• Is it just more fun to be on the computer or watch television?  Establish a reading time that is consistent and balanced with screen time.
• Are the right materials available? The library is full of high interest materials on every possible topic and in many different formats including picture books, magazines, activity books, comics, fact books, and graphic novels.  

Are you modeling that reading is important and valued?  Set aside some time when your child can see you reading.  Whether it is for work or pleasure, it is important for your child to know reading is an essential part of everyday life.

For middle school:

Become a Summer Reading Volunteer

Summer Reading is a program that gets kids and teens excited about reading during the summer and encourages them to become lifelong library users. Teens and adults are invited to apply to join our team of volunteers as Summer Reading assistants. Summer Reading volunteers register people for the game, award prizes, talk with kids about the books they have read, help with events, record keeping and more! The Summer Reading volunteer application is available online at: https://multcolib.org/volunteer/volunteer-summer-reading-team