Sunny’s Summer of Reading: Story Time August 12, Incentives & Bingo!
Summary: B.F. Day Summer Reading & Resources.
B.F. Day’s Sunny’s Summer of Reading
Summer Library with Ms. P Fremont Branch!
Most of you know our school will be undergoing a major construction project this summer, which will make it impossible to be in our library. Happily, we have been invited to have our summer library time at the Fremont Public Library Branch!
Join me for story time in the Fremont Public Library’s meeting room at 731 N. 35th Street August 12 from 4 – 5 p.m. Read-aloud from 4:15 – 4:45 p.m.
B.F. Day’s Summer of Reading 2026
Greetings B.F. Day Families! I am so excited to kick off B.F. Day’s Sunny’s Summer of Reading 2026!
While we think of summer as a “break” from school, I’m hoping our B.F. Day community will commit to continuing to read! We must think of reading skills as a muscle to be exercised…and we all know what happens when we stop exercising! Kids who spend time reading over the summer arrive at school in September ready to begin content in the next grade, rather than spending multiple weeks of review. Plus, what’s better than spending lazy summer afternoons with a good book under the shade of a tree or by flashlight in a tent?!
What follows are a variety of resources to help you in this endeavor. Parents of emergent readers will need to support students in continuing to play with sounds, learn power words, and build confidence. Parents of more advanced readers will need to help keep the books flowing!
Reading Rockets is a source I trust for all things reading. It is a treasure trove of resources for parents and teachers alike. According to the site, “Reading Rockets is a national public media literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help.” So your first assignment is to read this article in Reading Rockets.
Summer Reading Action Plan
- Visit the Public Library often. The Seattle Public Library’s summer program for kids launches June 15!
- Create opportunities for kids to write.
- Connect reading to activities you are doing. Visiting a new place….read about it! Learning a new skill…there’s likely a book too. Audiobooks are great for road trips!
- Model reading as a family activity. Build it into your routine.
- Make it fun! Build forts, read with a flashlight, or set up a reading tent in the yard.
Parents often ask how to help pick books for their emergent readers. Strategies for Selecting “Just Right” Books include:
- The Five Finger Rule: Have the child read a page. Hold up a finger for each word they do not know. 0–1 fingers suggests it’s a perfect fit; 5+ fingers suggests it is too difficult.
- Use Decodable Texts: Choose books that allow children to practice specific phonics patterns they are currently learning and/or already know.
- Prioritize Interest Over Level: Let children choose books that interest them, as this increases motivation, even if the text is slightly above their current level.
- Emphasize Quality over Speed: Encourage reading at a comfortable pace to foster accuracy and enjoyment rather than rushing through books.
- Reread books to build fluency!
B.F. Day Summer Reading Incentives & Bingo
#1 Summer Reading Bingo
Complete five squares in a row and turn in for a prize. Younger readers can also do this with a grownup/read aloud. Bingo Chart PDF posted soon! Or pick up a BINGO board at the July 8 or August 12 Library Time at the Fremont Branch!
#2 Summer Reading Challenge
- Grades K-2: The 24-Hour Summer Reading Challenge
- Fill in a square for every time you read 20 minutes until you reach 24 hours!
- Turn in upon your return to school (or earlier in the library) to receive an invitation to Mrs. P’s Summer Reading Pancake Breakfast! Tentative Date September 11.
- Grades 3-5: The 48-Hour Summer Reading Challenge
- Fill in a square for every time you read 20 minutes until you reach 48 hours!
- Turn in upon your return to school (or earlier in the library) to receive an invitation to Mrs. P’s Summer Reading Pancake Breakfast! Tentative Date September 11.
Visit our B.F. Day Library webpage for updates and more for families! ~ Mrs. P.
As of July 9, 2026
