Borders Kid's reading challenge

[ancoda]

Another way to help keep your kids motivated over the summer. Your kids read 8 books, write them down on the worksheet and then take it into the store to get big discounts on some select books. All the info is here

[travlr]

I hate these feeble marketing attempts by retailers. I want my children to want to read for the enjoyment of reading, not because a store will give them a prize. This is such blatant advertising to our children. I was actually in Border the other day and saw this campaign- I wouldn't want a 50% discount on the books they are offering.

I understand why libraries and schools do similar campaigns and since they’re not selling something it’s less offensive, but for my family, I wish they wouldn’t. I love to read and have always been a reader. As a child, I participated in the summer program in the library every year but I wouldn't say it motivated me to read at all. My DD1 has participated at the library in the past and she liked the cheap plastic MIC prizes but I didn't see any change in our reading. Plus, I hated to keep track of the minutes or books or whatever. I wonder if these programs actually encourage reading or just cheating.

[madskye]

B&N does something similar, and they usually give away a free book. I think it's great. I think it's particularly great if books are a luxury for family or a child, and this gives a family/child an opportunity to own a new book at an affordable price or for free.

I know for the B&N giveaway titles, many of them are also on school required reading lists--A Wrinkle in Time, A Single Shard, newbery and national book award winners--so again, if you are a parent strapped for cash it's another good resource.

[Sativarain1]

My boys have done this program with Barnes and Noble the last few years, I personally think it's a great incentive for kids. The kids look forward to picking out their new book after doing the reading and the books are quality too!

[SparklingGemini]

How do these programs work with toddlers?

[ancoda]

Most of the ones through stores that I have seen are for school age kids. You can always go to the store and ask if they have a program for toddlers. For my younger kids we just do the one through our local library since it is for newborns and up.