Reading with kids

I think reading is one of those fundamental things for a successful (however you define it) life. After getting back from Vegas and seeing how the girls are motivated to read by a system in school, I decided to implement a variation on the theme here at home. So found a magic treasure chest - given to me by pirates of course. The key to the locked chest magically appears at the right time - whenever one of the boys has reached 50 points. How do they earn points? 10 points are awarded if they read a grade level book and can tell me what the book is about, and answer 5 questions correctly. 2 points for a lower than grade book. 5 points if I read the book to them and they can answer my questions. And 1 point for each time they set the table. This plan was put in play when they came over for a sleepover on Tuesday, and wouldn't you know it, but the reluctant readers are cruising through books. Love that!

Luke read:
1. I Want to Be Somebody New!
2. If You Listen
3. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
4. The Lion and the Mouse

Jonah read (with lots of help):
1. There Was An old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly
2. Big Egg
3. The Lion and the Mouse

And together we read:
1. Sam and the Firefly
2. Room on the Broom

All these books were read and discussed in less than 24 hours! And that does not take into account sleeping, eating, playing outside, journal time, making a fire, etc. Amazing what a motivated kid can do!