According to habit guru and author of Atomic Habits, James Clear:
“Research has shown that you are 2x to 3x more likely to stick to your goals if you make a specific plan for when, where, and how you will perform the behavior.”
To make sure you put your plan into action, James Clear suggests “habit stacking” as a way to connect a new habit with a current habit.
- Pushups: Before I take my morning shower, I will do 10 pushups.
- Flossing: After I set my toothbrush down, I will floss my teeth.
- Gratitude: Before I eat dinner, I will say one thing I am grateful for that day.
How does this apply to summer reading for your kids?
Step #1 – Work with your kid to set a summer reading goal they can track like “Read 5 books this summer” or “Read 100 minutes per week.”
Step #2 – Help them make a plan for WHEN, WHERE, and HOW they will read that is connected to something they already do. For example:
“After I brush my teeth at night, I will read for 20 minutes.”
“After I put my breakfast dishes away, I will read 25 pages.”
Step #3 – Track the goal! That’s where Bookopolis comes in. Download our free Read-O (Reading Bingo) cards or join Team Bookopolis to log your reading on our digital log or virtual bookshelves.
Step #4 – Claim your free book! If you get a READ-O, log 1000 minutes, or add 5 books to your “I Read It” shelf, we’ll send you a link to pick a FREE book! Get more details.
Explore these 13 book recommendations that are also book prizes your readers can request when they complete their reading challenge in June 2024!
Help! I can’t even get my kid to set a reading goal!
We hear you. Sometimes, kids need encouragement from an adult who is not their parent to develop a new habit. We created a new Summer Reading Mentor Program, especially for kids like this who don’t like to read yet. Learn more.