Incentives for Summer Reading

One of the things we never had to contend much with while raising kids was the invasive and addictive nature of video games creeping into family and recreation time.  I'm glad that all of our children and their spouses are making a concerted effort to teach balance to their children, and involve them in more physical and mental exercise instead of spending so much time in front of a screen.

Sam's 7th birthday cake made in Blanding.

Sometimes even the best thought out plans backfire, however.  This past week, Ashley sat down with Sam to discuss things he could do instead of playing video games.  They determined that reading would be a good choice and she agreed he could have a Lego Star Wars toy if he reached his goal.  She then asked him how many books he thought he should read to get that $11 toy.  He figured that 75 books would be a fair amount!
     Though somewhat surprised by the high number, she agreed.  Then Sam scoured through the house and gathered up every book he could possibly read, and in two days had reached his goal and earned the prize.  Talk about motivation!
   Mom's decided now that Sam's next goal needs to be reading something a little more challenging like chapter books instead of the usual picture books that 1st graders read.  I am always amazed at how well these little first graders and kindergarteners in our family read!  That's because they have moms and dads who value it!    Way to Go Sam, and Ashley!