Literacy
Raising Readers - Why Connection Matters More Than Programs
Summer brings lots of excitement at the library: new displays, fun events, and (of course) the big summer reading program. Some families jump right in—and if that’s you, wonderful! But if you’ve ever wondered whether your family needs an incentive program to grow readers, you’re not alone. Here’s why it’s perfectly okay (and even wise) to focus on connection over competition
Our Family’s Story
As a former teacher, I once loved all things “Book-It” and classroom reading logs. When I became a parent, I was eager for story times and library programs—especially “1000 Books Before Kindergarten.” Our family dove in with enthusiasm, reading together every evening.
When my son reached the program’s goal at 8 months old, the celebration we hoped for never quite materialized. But looking back, the real milestone wasn’t a certificate or prize; it was every moment spent together with a book. Even now, our family’s favorite ritual is winding down with stories before bed—at home, on vacation, or anywhere life takes us.
What Truly Builds a Love of Reading?
The heart of raising a reader isn’t found in prizes, checklists, or perfect attendance at story time. As Emilie Buchwald reminds us, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Every bedtime book, every time you say yes to “just one more,” you’re building not just literacy, but trust, comfort, and family memories. That’s what lasts!
Incentives—Who Are They For?
For many public school kids, media often opens up the world outside the classroom walls. Incentives can help spark curiosity in those settings. But homeschoolers are living and learning out in the real world every day! You may find that your child’s natural interest and your family’s rhythms already support a rich reading life—no extra push needed.
Looking Closely at Rewards
While summer reading programs mean well, sometimes the “prizes” (junk food, plastic toys, or raffle tickets) distract from what really matters. The best reward is the experience of a wonderful story, shared together. Even experts like Alfie Kohn, author of Punished by Rewards, have found that external rewards can actually reduce motivation to read for fun.
Reading for All
It’s also important to remember that access to books isn’t equal for every family. It can take time, space, and sometimes tricky scheduling to get to the library—especially for families with demanding jobs or without reliable transportation. So if your family finds the bar for “1000 Books” low, or if reading logs don’t fit your life, please know: you’re not alone, and you’re still doing beautifully.
Every time you share a story—even if it’s the same well-loved book for the hundredth time—you’re nurturing a reader.
Encouragement for Your Reading Journey
If your plate is already full, here’s permission from a teacher to skip the summer reading program, guilt-free. What matters most is not the number of books or the prizes earned, but the warmth and connection you build, page by page.
Simple ways to nurture your reader this summer:
- Let your child choose what to read, how much to read, and when to read.
- Show your own love of reading—kids notice!
- Listen to audiobooks together; they count too.
- Enjoy your library at your own pace (even if you check out a mountain of books).
- Celebrate reading as an everyday joy, not a task or contest.
- Share treats, outings, and experiences just because—not as a reward for reading, but for the fun of it.
One Program We Love
We do want to give a special shout-out to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. There’s something magical about “book mail,” and this program focuses purely on giving children the gift of stories. If it’s in your area, it’s a wonderful way to build your family’s home library!
Bottom line:
You don’t need anyone else’s approval or a library sticker to prove you’re raising a reader. Every shared story is a win. However you read together, know that you are giving your child a lifelong gift.
Happy reading!