Summer time is the one time of year that many kids give up reading books in favor of lazy summer days playing in the yard or enjoying some fun in the sun at the pool. Summer time is actually the best time for a child to read. Not only does it reinforce that reading can be a positive life long habit but it also helps reluctant readers and it helps children to keep up with their skills (reading, spelling, grammar…). Many libraries across the country host special summer reading programs for children of all ages. Some schools, including our school district, make summer reading a requirement. My kids have to read two books and do two book reports that are due on the first day of school. While that may sound harsh I do think that it’s a great idea. It forces kids to focus on reading 15-30 minute a day instead of video games and the computer.
Traveling is another great time to get your child into reading, most especially long trips. Some kids can’t read in the car, but reading in an airplane is something most people can do. Personally I cannot read in a car but I can in a plane. When I traveled out to the West Coast earlier this year and I was on the plane for over 5 hours the magazines and book (The Help) that I took with me helped to pass the time and those five hours literally “flew by” (no pun intended…OK…maybe a little 🙂 ).
One airline company, JetBlue, has teamed up with PBS Kids to create the “Soar with Reading” reading program. The program aims to keep children reading wherever they go this summer – with a combination of in-flight and online literacy resources, community reading events and a partnership with First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides new books to children in need.
Parents can download a FREE reading activity kit, among other activities, at the SoarwithReading.com website. Parents and children can also create a summer reading list and log their children’s reading minutes. I think knowing how many minutes a child has read, or how many books have been completed, actually encourages a child to want to read more. It’s like being in a competition with themselves. If you have multiple children in the family I’m sure they could have a friendly little competition too.
Additionally, for every reader who registers on SoarwithReading.com, JetBlue will make a book donation to a child through First Book, up to 10,000 books. That is A LOT of books!
At SoarwithReading.com families can also vote for their favorite library in the Soar with Reading Sweepstakes. The winning library will receive $10,000 worth of children’s books courtesy of Jet Blue and Random House Children’s Books. And if you are the lucky person who entered the winning library, you will have a chance to win a trip to Atlantis. Awesome!
JetBlue crew members will also be volunteering across the country at kid friendly events at local libraries. These “global guides” will read books to children and share stories about their job at JetBlue and their many travel adventures. My kids love it when I tell them about the places I have been and the things I have seen. I’m sure listening to the JetBlue crew members will get children excited about traveling and perhaps eager to read books based upon the countries and places they heard about.
As a special bonus child passengers will also receive activity kits on JetBlue flights as well! Thank you JetBlue!
JetBlue has been kind enough to offer as a giveaway a special backpack filled with fun things for your child to do this summer whether they are flying across country or simply going on a backyard adventure.
The JetBlue drawstring backpack features a mesh pocket to hold a drink or snacks on the outside. On the inside you’ll find a music CD called Steve Songs: Marvelous Day! There is also a Magic Tree House book called A Good Night for Ghosts that comes with spooky stickers. There is also a special Soar with Reading activity booklet that features a drawing page, word find, crossword puzzle and more.
To enter please share a tip on how you encourage your child to read – or – what is the title of the book your child is currently reading or recently finished reading.
For extra entries you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each that you have done. Extra entries are optional.
– Subscribe to She Scribes and/or Connect with Google Friend Connect. Both options are found on the right side bar.
– “Like” JetBlue on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/JetBlue.
– “Like” PBS Kids on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/PBSKids.
– “Like” She Scribes on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/SheScribes.
– Follow JetBlue on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/JetBlue.
– Follow PBS Kids on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/PBSKids.
– Follow She Scribes on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/She_Scribes and tweet about this giveaway. Please include @She_Scribes in the tweet so I can see it too. This is limited to three tweets per day.
– Share this review/giveaway with others on Facebook, Digg, Technorati and so forth. Be sure to tell me what you did and please provide a name and/or URL so I can verify.
– Leave a thoughtful comment on a non-giveaway post on She Scribes and tell me which post you commented on. There is a limit of one comment per post, but you can comment on as many posts as you want for an unlimited extra entry option.
– Post about this giveaway on your site and please link back to this post. Please provide the URL.
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only and will end on August 6, 2011 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply with a name and valid e-mail address or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
Other GREAT giveaways can be found on the right side bar under “Win It”.
Kimberly
*I received a free sample backpack in order to do this review/post. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.
Jessica says
I try to encourage my son to read anything and everything. I get him to read the road signs and store names while we are driving!
Jessica says
I have liked She Scribes on facebook.
Pauline M says
My kids love to read any book with a funky name, right now they’re reading the dork diaries!
Pauline M says
I’m a JetBlue facebook fan (pauline1501)
Pauline M says
I’m a PBS kids facebook fan (pauline1501)
Pauline M says
I’m a she scribed facebook fan (pauline1501)
Pauline M says
I follow jet blue on twitter (pauline15)
Pauline M says
I follow PBS kids on twitter (pauline15)
BusyWorkingMama says
My near-4 year old LOVES reading. We visit the library every other month and stock up on new books.
BusyWorkingMama says
GFC follower already
BusyWorkingMama says
email subscriber aleksa91 hotmail com
BusyWorkingMama says
I like you on FB – aleksandra n.
Springchicken says
I take my daughter to every library event at every library within 25 miles of our home. This has really helped her develop a love of books and libraries!
Springchicken says
I subscribe via email!
Springchicken says
I follow daily via GFC!
Denise B. says
We don’t have to do anything. Our daughter never stops reading, talking, or memorizing.
Denise B. says
I “Like” She Scribes on Facebook.
Denise B. says
I “Like” PBS Kids on Facebook.
Denise B. says
I “Like” Jet Blue on Facebook.
Denise B. says
I follow Jet Blue on Twitter.
Denise B. says
I follow PBS Kids on Twitter.
Kimberly says
I follow on GFC
Kimberly says
My daughter is currently reading Disney after Dark.
Kimberly says
I’m an email subscriber
Kimberly says
I like She Scribes on Fb
Kimberly says
Like Jet Blue on FB
Kimberly says
Like PBS Kids on FB
Kimberly says
Follow Jet Blue on Twitter (@TexasSingleMom)
Kimberly says
Follow PBS Kids on Twitter (@TexassingleMom)
Claire says
My kid loves diary of a wimpy kid
Claire says
Follow on gfc under eclairre
Lori S says
we read every night so it is a habit at this point.
thanks!
Lori S says
Email subscriber
Thanks!
Lori S says
Facebook fan
thanks!
Anne Loyd says
I encourage my kids to read by doing the reading programs offered at the different stores and library during the summer.
We have also read books where there are also movies and they love to find the differences between the two.
Anne Loyd says
I subscribe to blog emails.
Anne Loyd says
I follow you on GFC as AnneL.
Anne Loyd says
I like you on FB as Anne Loyd.
Anne Loyd says
I like JetBlue on FB as Anne Loyd.
Anne Loyd says
I like PBS Kids on FB as Anne Loyd.
Anne Loyd says
I follow JetBlue on Twitter as Anneliz702.
Anne Loyd says
I follow PBS Kids on Twitter as Anneliz702.
Amanda Starr says
We always try to go to the library during the summer events though this year we didn’t have a car, still did the reading program though
Amanda Starr says
Subscribe to She Scribes
Amanda Starr says
Follow with Google Friend Connect
Amanda Starr says
“Like” JetBlue on Facebook
Amanda Starr says
“Like” PBS Kids on Facebook
Amanda Starr says
“Like” She Scribes on Facebook
Amanda Starr says
Follow PBS Kids on Twitter
Amanda Starr says
Follow JetBlue on Twitter
Melissa B says
My daughter is currently reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Carole S says
The last book my granddaughter read was Zoomer.
blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com
Carole S says
I follow via GFC (Carole Spring)
blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com
Carole S says
I like you on FB (Carole Spring)
blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com
Carole S says
email subscriber: blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com
Rosanne says
I read to them @ night and they always see me and my husband reading
Rosanne says
Subscriber by e-mail
Rosanne says
Follow on GFC-rosannepm
Rosanne says
Like JetBlue on Facebook Rosanne M
Rosanne says
Like PBS Kids on Facebook Rosanne M
Rosanne says
Like She Scribes on Facebook Rosanne M
Rosanne says
Follow JetBlue on Twitter-rosannepm
Rosanne says
Follow PBS Kids on Twitter-rosannepm
sweeter the berry says
The Cat In The Hat
sweeter the berry says
“Like” JetBlue on Facebook/letesshaw
sweeter the berry says
Like” She Scribes on Facebook/letesshaw
sweeter the berry says
twitter follow shescribes/dahliamomma
sweeter the berry says
Follow JetBlue on Twitter/dahliamomma
sweeter the berry says
tweet
http://twitter.com/dahliamomma/status/99265264427876352
sweeter the berry says
gfc followwer
sweeter the berry says
email subscriber
Beth C says
I am babysitting my granddughter this summer. We take trips to the library and bring books home to read.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Beth C says
GFC Follower
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Beth C says
email subscriber
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Beth C says
Like you on facebook
pbclark(at)netin(dot)net
Ellie W says
My 3 year old grandson is stuck on Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go. He loves to fing “Goldbug”.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Ellie W says
I follow via GFC (ellie)
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Ellie W says
I like JetBlue on FB (Ellie W)
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Ellie W says
I like PBS KIDS on FB (Ellie W)
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Ellie W says
I like you on FB (Ellie W)
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Ellie W says
I follow JetBlue on Twitter @eswright18
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Ellie W says
I follow PBS KIDS on Twitter @eswright18
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Ellie W says
I follow you on Twitter @eswright18 and tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/99531173402906624
eswright18 at gmail dot com
april bever says
I try to encourage them to read stories that appeal to them at a young age
Ellie W says
Daily Tweet #2
https://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/99591281721872384
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Susan C says
I encourage my grandchildren to read by having lots of choices. I pick up books for a song at garage sales, so we have lots to choose from.
smchester at gmail dot com
Susan C says
I follow you on GFC as sweetsue.
smchester at gmail dot com
Diane Baum says
To encourage reading we make frequent trips to the library, order many newspapers and magazines and surround our home with books.
Ed Nemmers says
The little one just finished “Charlotte’s Web”!
Ericka says
I encourage my kids to read by taking them to the library and we all pick out books and we either sit there and read them or we bring them home to read.
ericka082 AT gmail DOT com
Ericka says
Follower via GFC
Ericka
ericka082 AT gmail DOT com
Ericka says
I like JetBlue Airways on fb
Ericka K
ericka082 AT gmail DOT com
Ericka says
I like PBS KIDS on fb
Ericka K
ericka082 AT gmail DOT com
Ericka says
I like you on fb
Ericka K
ericka082 AT gmail DOT com
Ericka says
I follow JetBlue on twitter
@Ericka082
ericka082 AT gmail DOT com
Ericka says
I follow PBS KIDS on twitter
@Ericka082
ericka082 AT gmail DOT com
Ericka says
I follow you on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/Ericka082/status/99651077468717056
ericka082 AT gmail DOT com
Storm says
We visit the library at least once a week and check out all the books she wants.
Storm says
I like She Scribes over on Facebook.
Katrina stansbury says
My son is currently reading Big Nate and LOVES it!
Paula Ja says
To get my child to read, I allow my child to choose something that is of greatest interest to her then. Time is spent reading something silly and equal time is devoted to what is needed for school. She see’s it as a reward and is eager to read.
Lentil says
We read together, since my daughter is just at the recognizing letters stage! But I choose fun books, and I let her tell me which books she wants to read next. It amazes me when she then takes a turn reading the book, and is able to tell me what happens on each page, often using the exact words I read to her earlier. Reading is definitely fun at our house!
Lentil says
Follow with gfc
sneakynina says
I encourage them by taking them to the library and reading to them at an early age is the best way to encourage the kiddos to want to read.
mom2girls says
My kids love to read because they see me reading (and loving it) all the time. It also helps that we do not have a TV (cable we have DVD’s for treats). My youngest is reading Memiors of Moomin Valley.
mom2girls says
I follow you on GFC as Tracy taylor
Elizabeth Stoke says
I babysit so this would be great to read to the kids.
Suzy says
I read to my daughter everyday! She’s 18 months old and loves her animal books and little Einsteins!!
AEKZ2 says
I encourage my kids to read by showing them how much I love to read
AEKZ2 says
Email subscriber
susan smoaks says
we encourage our children to read by reading to them every night before bed
Ellie W says
Daily Tweet @eswright18
https://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/99993315126161408
eswright18 at gmail dot com
laschell says
Thats easy our kids love reading about things they relate to, I have twins and we read about twin books and such like that…Good pictures with things they identify also helps .
Sand says
I encourage them to read by checking out books in the library.
dooly says
I encourage them by taking them to the library and letting them pick out the books. I makes them feel as if they are reading for fun and not being made to do it.
Gianna says
Get them something with a topic they like. My daughter loves funny books and right now she’s reading Super Diaper Baby 2.
Gianna says
I’m a GFC follower.
Gianna says
I’m an email subscriber.