Books, Hours, Days…Why are there choices for the Youth Summer Reading Program?

We reach out to children ages birth through grade 5 and we want everyone to participate in our YOUTH Summer Reading Program.  This program is especially important for reluctant readers and readers who need incentive to read!  Because our audience is so big and at so many different levels, we use these choices of 50 books, 50 hours, or 50 days to give parents power to tailor the program to suit the needs of the readers in their home.  We need the parents to help their children decide which route will be challenging, but not daunting to their young readers so that they will continue reading throughout the summer.

Here are broad examples of how you can tailor this program to your household.
Babies: We know you might feel funny reading to baby, but it is important!  Perhaps you choose to read 50 books to baby over the summer, which would be 1 book a day and would greatly benefit your child.  It would also help you make reading a habit.
Toddlers and preschoolers: Days would be a simple and attainable path.  Perhaps you read 20 minutes before bed, you can simply mark that day off on your reading log each night after reading.
Avid readers: Hours is the best option because it will be challenging and will give them a goal.
Reluctant readers: Days would be the best option.  A day of reading is only 20 minutes of reading for babies through 3rd graders and only 40 minutes of reading for 4th and 5th graders.  Choosing days will help reluctant readers make reading a habit and it does not require much effort.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you need help determining the right choice for your family!