Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Babe Ruth Reading Challenge!


Grow your child's love of reading with an
easily customized reading and reward challenge!

Background:
Encouraging my children to read has been a major goal around our home. I have one that loves to read and she's already reading 300 page large print books. She can read without speaking aloud and the words she knows is amazing. My other one has been working overtime to keep up with her classmates and her grade level. She loves so many things, but has so much difficulty liking reading. This little one was the inspiration for this program.

We were reading a grade level 3 book about Babe Ruth. The premise centers around Babe Ruth saving baseball after the Black Sox Scandal of 1919. He told his fans that he was going to make 50 home runs in one year. My daughter thought this was so so cool! After we finished the book, we picked up a bat that her Craig bought for her at the Vermont Lake Monsters baseball game. We talked about how fun it would be to be able to read 50 books the school year and for every book be able to make a mark on her bat.

The challenge:

1. Read a book.
2. Write down the name of the book.
3. Let her put a mark on the paper bat.
4. Have daddy make a notch on the wooden bat with a pocket knife.
5. Earn a dollar.
6. Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!



Customize it:
After seven books, we think that she is catching the book bug and reading more books. My other daughter is not left out! Her challenge is exactly the same, except she is working on the Tutu Challenge; marking all the books she reads onto part of the tutu. Our goal for our daughters is to encourage their reading at their level. We want them to improve at their own speed and encourage their success without force - only encouragement!


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11 comments:

Marie said...

Another good idea from Montreal. So great of you to find fun ways to encourage.

Nicole said...

That is such a great idea. Wonder if that would work with a 12 yr old? My youngest son struggles with reading. Hmmm..thanks, the wheels are turning. :0)

Lene said...

Such a great idea. I love how you personalized for each of your girls.

michelle said...

This is such a great idea! I am sure the girls love the added motivation! :)

Melinda said...

This is such a great idea! Our family loves to read and we all doing like crazy. I feel blessed to have children who love to read.

Your tummy is so big and cute! I am so jealous you are prego with twins and no stretch marks! How does that happen?? Good genes.

Jennfer said...

Hey girl! How are you. Been thinking about you today. call me.

Hey...look at me...I'm blogging again!

dani said...

what a great idea, michelle:) happy reading for your girls!!!
much love,
dani xxxx

Cristin said...

I think a love of reading is one of the best things you can give your children! What a fun way to encourage & foster a love of reading! Cute!

Natasha said...

Great idea!

Natalie said...

Fabulous challenge! Blake is just starting to read and loves to sound out words to write little stories! It's so exciting to watch him learn.
BTW - you're looking great! I'm so delighted that those boys are growing well and that you're all healthy. Take it easy!!

Jenny said...

What a great challenge! I think I want to do something like it with my Bubee.