Beat the heat and encourage summer reading with a book swap party!
It's a budget friendly & fun way to kick-off summer reading, and it might become a summertime tradition in your neighborhood.
Book Swap Party
- Invite friends (in the same grade) to bring 3 used paperback books that are at their current reading level.
- After the children arrive, display the books on a large table or two.
- Draw numbers for the order in which the children will choose a book. For example, if there are 10 children at the party, put numbers 1 – 10 into the drawing & each child picks a number.
- Round 1 begins! The child that drew #1 picks a book, then the child that drew #2 picks a book, and so on.
- Before beginning round 2 & round 3, draw numbers again. This turns the book swap into a game, adds to the fun and prevents the same child from always having first pick or always having last pick!
- So…each child arrived at the party with 3 books, and they'll leave with 3 books!
- After the final round, make bookmarks (using scrap paper, markers & assorted stickers).
- Have information to give the children on summer reading clubs at your local library or bookstore. Most clubs offer incentives or prizes for reading!
- Refreshments…let the children make their own ice cream sundaes!
- HAPPY SUMMER READING!
A book swap doesn't have to be just for kids…why not host a summer book swap party with your girlfriends!
P.S. – When my children were in elementary school, I loved hosting a summer book swap! It became an annual tradition! The children enjoyed seeing each other after school was out, they loved getting new books and making bookmarks was a huge hit! If you host a summer book swap party…please let me know how it goes!
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Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
