Bingo Summer Reading

This summer to encourage my youngest kids to keep on reading I discovered Bingo Summer Reading Cards
from Pinterest.com. So far it's been a great success. I allow them to earn a square per day by reading at least 30 minutes. These cards have named some creative ways to get the kids to read like reading under a tree or in my PJ's or maybe in the bathtub or in their favorite chair. When they get a bingo I have created some paper cards with rewards on them like a one free item from Dollar Tree, a frosty from Wendy's, back/foot massage, I do one chore or clean their room,. These too motivate the kids to read because they all want my massage :) or maybe it's the ice-cream cone from Arctic Circle, whatever it is, they are reading and that's what counts. They have discovered some really cool book series like Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, or Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites by Chris Heimerdinger something my older kids have already discovered. It's been fun reading these again myself, I might add.

Reading books are like going on mini vacations or watching a movie in your mind, you get into the story and you get lost in it, if it's written right. It's pure imagination, you get to envision what the characters or objects look like and it's fun to imagine or wonder what's going to happen pushing you to the end and you can't wait.

If you are looking for a creative and fun way for your kids to read this summer you might check out the Bingo Summer Reading Challenge.

Unplugged So Far

My kids were not excited to hear we were going to be unplugged this summer. I heard a lot of complaining. But, it is amazing some of the activities they have come up with to fill in the time they would have spent on wasted computer or video type games. Some things they have done so far:

• swimming at our neighbors pool on Mondays

• Service in our neighborhood and community with friends

• Building forts outside using blankets

• Playing soccer in the sprinklers

• Play Hide and Seek and Ghost in the Graveyard in the bottom level of my house, there are a lot of spaces to hide and it's dark.

• Because of the Sons of Mosiah experience, my kids have created shields and breastplates made from cardboard. Every one of them is very creative I will put a picture up later. 
• play board games
• make cookies or other treats
• reading has been in abundance, they have discovered some great series out there.
• Play with friends
• Ride scooters
• Jump on trampoline
• Ride the blue machine 3 wheeler bikes with squirt guns
• Have a water battle using squirt games
• Go to the movies 
• Listen to music, do some karaoke performances.
• Play badminton
• Dress up and imagination play
• Build with Legos 
• Build marble maze with blocks
• Take the dog for more walks
• Play at the park
• Making their own movies.

This is so far. It's good to think outside the box. I still hear grumblings and they are always asking why we are doing it, funny how they always get the same answer. It's to have more interactions with each other, to build strong family and friend relationships, to help us be creative in our thinking, get outside and be active with nature and enjoy their summer.

I'm still looking forward to some the activities I have planned like canoeing and camping and spending more time as a family doing cool, fun and discovering new things. Unplugged so far.....a success.