Turn the Page on Summer With Reading Programs

My first grader came home from school this week with a note from his teacher: "This is the last week of homework," it said, "but read every night over the summer and you'll all be ready for second grade!"

When we think of summer, our thoughts immediately go to relaxing, swimming and long lazy days with limited schedules. To kids, summer brings thoughts of camp, ice cream and no homework or school. While they're on vacation, some kids love to read, while other look at it as a chore. To keep your kids reading this summer, check out these local reading programs.

The Syosset Public Library (225 South Oyster Bay Rd.) is launching their summer reading club, themed "Make A Splash – Read!" Age groups include Toddlers (18 months to 3 ½ years), Preschoolers (3 ½ years to kindergarten) and Elementary School (grades 1 through 5), along with a new group for this summer, the Wee Read Together Club (newborn through 17 months).  Elementary school children will be responsible for reading seven books, while all other groups will read 10 books (or have a parent read the books to them) over the course of the program.  Each book read will be reported to the library, and all children fulfilling the requirement for their age group will receive prizes, certificates and an entry for a special raffle prize. Preschoolers and elementary children will also receive an invitation to the closing program on Saturday, Aug. 7, which includes a performance by The Gizmo Guys.  Continuous in-person registration for Syosset residents begins this coming Monday and ends Aug. 6.  For more information, contact the Syosset Public Library at 516-921-7161.

Borders (425 Jericho Tpke.) is also running a summer reading program for kids under 12 years old, and they "Double-Dog Dare You" to sign up.  Kids can read any 10 books they like (no purchase necessary), list the books on the 2010 Summer Reading form (click here) and have a parent sign the form.  Kids should then bring the completed form into Borders before Aug. 26, and they will be able to choose a free book from a list of select titles (one list of 10 books can be submitted per child).

Have a fun summer, and keep your kids reading!

Amy Platt is a Syosset resident and mom of two kids who both love to read and will be participating in both of these summer reading programs. She is also the founder of LIParentSource.com, an online guide centralizing resources for Long Island families.