As of this morning, the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is officially open! Kids around the world can start logging their reading minutes in an effort to set a new world record for summer reading. (Remember, we've got to beat last year's record of 176,438,473 minutes. A tall order, but I think we've got it in the bag.) Check out the press release for more info.
A few basic details to keep in mind:
- The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge runs from May 5 to September 5, 2014.
- Anyone child can participate! Kids can choose to log their minutes on behalf of their school, or they can log minutes independently.
- This year’s program theme is "Reading Under the Stars!" Our website is decked out in awesome interactive constellations that kids will unlock as they reach reading milestones every week. We've even enlisted help from a NASA astronaut, a planetary scientist, and planetariums across the country to help this theme come to life.
- Don't forget to join us tonight at 9pm EST—we're hosting a Virtual Book Swap on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page, featuring book gurus Lori Ess and Betsy Bird! Have you RSVPed yet?
There's something for everyone this summer. Check out our list of key features for kids, teachers, and parents.
For Kids:
- Sweepstakes each month featuring a chance to win Ricky Ricotta books, a Harry Potter paperback box set, Jedi Academy books, and a multi-platform prize pack (The 39 Clues Book 1: Maze of Bones, Infinity Ring Book 1: Mutiny in Time, Spirit Animals Book 1: Wild Born).
- When kids reach reading milestones each week, they will have the opportunity to participate in a Chapter Challenge.
- Chapter challenges will involve a reading comprehension question about space written by Pascal Lee, planetary scientist at SETI Institute and author of Mission: Mars. After kids answer the question, they will win a chapter of a favorite book.
- Younger (elementary school) readers will win weekly chapters that will complete a full Geronimo Stilton book.
- Older (middle school) readers will win weekly chapters from a variety of bestselling titles including: The 39 Clues, Spirit Animals, etc.
For Teachers:
- One-stop shopping: Once teachers have registered students via bulk registration, teachers can visit their dashboard to manage their class list, email parents, and track their students' progress throughout the summer.
- Teacher sweepstakes: Teachers who register by June 30 can enter to win a classroom library. Plus, the first 500 teachers to enter will receive 250 Scholastic Reading Club bonus points.
- New age-specific book lists: This year’s suggestions include a "Reading Under the Stars"–themed list, which will include books about space, stars, astronomy, etc., as well as spooky stories and picks to read by a campfire.
- Free resources: Teachers can download free activity sheets, a star guide, posters, bookmarks, reading certificates, reading pledges, reading logs, and more.
For Parents:
- Parents can sign their kids up to participate in the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge and can track their kids' reading progress all summer.
- Access free Summer Reading Challenge Participation Guide for book lists, expert resources, activity sheets, a star guide, downloadable bookmarks, and more
- A Facebook content calendar that offers parents a FREE reading resources every single day of the summer, from printables to articles to a giveaway every Friday. The calendar is optimized for mobile as well so you can browse resources and enter sweepstakes on the go.
- A free Reading Timer Mobile App, with new tips, articles, and book recommendations for parents.
- New age-specific book lists: This year’s suggestions include a "Reading Under the Stars"–themed list, which will include books about space, stars, astronomy, etc., as well as spooky stories and picks to read by a campfire.
- Video series on “How to Read Under the Stars” with your family, hosted by Maggie McGuire, Vice President, eScholastic, Kids and Parents Online Channels.
What are you waiting for? JOIN US today!
