Catch the Reading Bug!

Each year, our town library is involved in a Summer Reading Program for the kids. For my daughter, age 4, her goal is to read (or have read to her) a total of 900 pages by the end of the season. She has 3 mini goals to reach of 300 pages each. At the end of each goal met, she receives a mini-reward and at the very end, she receives a free book, a gift pack filled with gift certificates from local businesses, and an invitation to the big pool party at the town aquatic center.

In addition to the reading program, there are also some fun family activities such as a scavenger hunt and live programs at the library such as Critterman and Bubble Wonders.

It's a wonderful program that encourages reading and learning--even when school is not in session.

We read to her every single night, and she's starting to read easy mini books on her own. As a result, Amanda has already reached her first mini-goal in only one week. She was thrilled to hang her 'first goal-met' flower on the library wall (with her name on it) and was also happy to receive a butterfly finger puppet. She's looking forward to the completion of the next 300 pages.

Anyone can benefit from the systems used at our library's summer reading program--either to read books or to reach most any goal.

Setting mini-goals is akin to taking baby steps. Little by little, with your eye on each prize, you get there. Those mini-rewards help a bunch too. Rather than waiting all the way until your major goal is met, you get to enjoy the journey all the way through.

For instance, perhaps your goal this summer is to get the clutter out of your kitchen. That is your major goal. Your mini-goals could be a) Declutter the cabinets and countertops, b) Declutter your Pantry c) Declutter Your Refrigerator. Your mini-rewards for each mini-goal could be a) Take two hours to yourself to read while lounging in the backyard, b) Get a mini-manicure and c) Enjoy an iced tea while listening to your favorite music.

When the entire job is done, you can give yourself a bigger reward, such as buying some pretty artwork you've been meaning to get--to show off your newly organized kitchen space!

Whatever your goals are this summer, think mini-goals and rewards along the way. You'll feel both productive and energized with each accomplishment!

Comments

[Julinda]

Wow, that is such a huge reading goal for a young child (or an older one for that matter). Only a voracious reader would read that much in 2 or 3 months.

But breaking down goals is a great approach.