Maybe you’ve seen an idea on a blog or Pinterest, wanted to use it, but it just didn’t seem to work for your family. Step-by-step directions are always nice, but there are times when finding a way to adapt an idea will make it more appealing to you and your family.
{And adapting is okay!}
Recently, Vanessa shared an idea on Instagram that she had adapted from the reading challenge charts I had shared in years past. I asked her to share her entire project with you all in a guest post, so keep reading and see what she put together!
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“Mommy, can I please read one more chapter before bed?” These were the words of my girls last week after starting our new 2014 Winter Reading Challenge. Isn’t that super exciting? I know for me it is! Since the winter of 2012, I have adapted the (seasonal) reading challenge with my kids. It has encouraged and driven them to read beyond my expectations.
One of my newest projects was a blackboard for our reading corner. I purchased a 2’ x 4’ blackboard (and a handful of nails) from Home Depot for $9.97, these liquid chalk markers from Amazon, and I was on my way to create an amazing corner for our schoolroom. After my hubby drilled it into the wall, it was all ready for me and I couldn’t help but think of all the ideas I could do with our new blackboard.
After a couple hours of thought and creative thinking, I came up with a sketch and made it a reality. My inspiration came from Jolanthe’s reading challenge, Pinterest, and my home state of New York which had a blizzard a couple of weeks ago. It doesn’t snow here in Southeast Georgia… thank God!
Incentives for Reading
Once my kids complete their challenges, I reward them with something that will encourage them to come back for more. In the past the rewards were:
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$10 towards a Target purchase
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trips to Dunkin’ Donuts
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sweets from a local bakery
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frozen yogurt
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my kids all time favorite, pizza from Pizza Hut
Every year I sign up for the Book It! Program through Pizza Hut, and they provide me with a booklets of free pizzas for the entire school year. As the teacher I make the decision on reading program and set the goals whether it be “x” amount of books or “x” amount of minutes in a month or season to redeem pizzas.
I’m already thinking forward and excited about summertime! I looooove summer reading! Usually I mix it up a bit and create fun reading challenges like reading under a tree, in your bathing suit, with a hat on, in the bathtub, on the kitchen floor… my kids love that kind of stuff!
You can view the original Reading Challenge Charts here. Thanks so much to Vanessa for sharing her idea with us all. Be sure to visit her on Instagram and get a peek at all their family’s homeschool fun!
My name is Vanessa, and I am a homeschooling Mom to 4 amazing treasures ages 8, 7, 6 and 3. Homeschooling has been an adventure beyond words – especially since we have moved about 5 times in the last 2 years. I love the homeschooling community! I’m so grateful to all who contribute because even the slightest post whether on a blog or social media can encourage any family to press on towards the bright future ahead. My passion is to motivate and encourage others to fulfill their purpose in this calling -homeschooling.
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