Summer Reading with a Greater Purpose

Last updated on: June 25, 2011 at 2:06 pm by Katrina

Summer Reading with a Greater Purpose 2011-06-25T14:06:33-06:00 Katrina

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Many of us are encouraging our children to continue reading throughout the summer months, and this task is made easier by the myriad of summer reading programs sponsored by local libraries and bookstores. These programs usually offer incentives for children who read a certain number of books or pages, such as a free slice of pizza or a special book. My son’s elementary school is asking each student to read at least 20 minutes a day for a minimum of 20 days; all students who participate in the “Sea of Summer Reading” will be named “Deep Sea Divers” and will be treated to an ice cream social once school resumes. Sounds like a great idea to my son!

Our elementary school also provided the links to a number of local and national summer reading programs. One such program is Clubhouse Magazine’s (Focus on the Family) “Read to Raise the Roof” summer challenge, which my son is eagerly participating in. From the program’s website:

“Clubhouse is joining with Widow’s Might to build a ministry outreach center in Rwanda. This building will include:

• a kitchen to provide meals to needy children.

• workrooms to give older orphans jobs—including making school uniforms, so poor children can go to school. (In Rwanda, you must have a uniform to attend school. Many families can’t afford a uniform, but children will be given one through this program.)

• classrooms to teach kids English and the Good News of Jesus Christ. Groups in Rwanda encourage kids to memorize the Bible.

• dorm rooms, so orphans have a place to sleep.”

You can find sponsor forms here and a suggested reading list here. You may also want to refer to Mary Alice’s super reading lists (also here and here) for suggestions of great books for your children to read. Also, don’t forget that younger children can also participate in summer reading challenges by having a parent read to them. And please continue to read to your older children – independent reading is great, but so is reading together out-loud with your kids!

Happy Summer Reading!

Education & Homeschool

Previous Post

June 24, 2011

In praise of mother's helpers

Next Post

June 29, 2011 Mom's Salary?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Builders' Favorite Posts Children Education & Homeschool Food and Nutrition Health Home Organization Inside Our Inbox Keeping It Real Liturgical Seasons Marriage Miscellaneous Motherhood and Parenting Nature and the Environment NFP and Fertility Politics and Current Events Pregnancy Recipes Spiritual Life The Catholic Church Thoughts for Thursday Uncategorized

Select a Month April 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Cast your bread upon the waters and after many days you will find it again. What does this encourage?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Generosity Patience Sharing Fishing