Read smarter, not harder: Dallas ISD’s summer program makes reading fun 

This summer, various programs are available to inspire the whole family to read consistently while also making it fun and rewarding for everyone. One of these programs is the Dallas Public Library’s Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge. This program is part of Mayor Eric Johnson’s Summer of Safety campaign, which provides free services and activities, such as free lunches at the Dallas Public Library, free access to Dallas cultural and recreational activities, and safety classes.

Families can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at dallas.library.beanstack.org or on the Beanstack app. Then, using the log reading and activities button, they can keep track of how much they read or how many activities they completed. 

Reading 20 minutes a day for 10 days earns your child a reading badge, and 10 activities completed earns a discover or create badge. For each badge earned, students receive a free book of their choice. Additionally, participants will receive a prize for every 10 days of reading or 10 activities completed. If students complete 50 days of reading and/or activities by Aug. 10, they are automatically entered into a raffle to win a grand prize. For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge, go to this link.

Frank himself often finds time to read after his children go to bed.

To foster family conversations about books, he recommends asking questions like, “Tell me about the book you are reading,” “What is your favorite moment in the book so far,” and “Who is your favorite character in the book.”

“Parents can also model by reading with their children. Finding times for them to get to the library throughout the summer is beneficial as well,” Frank said.

Dallas ISD campuses offer summer reading lists, so check out your school’s website for more information. For more reading programs or a list of books to get you and your child started, click the links below. 

• Summer Reading Programs Dallas ISD
• Lists of Recommended Books