It's back! Summer Learning Challenge 2018 begins June 1st, 2018. The Summer Learning Challenge is a fun -- and free -- way to engage children, families and even adults by challenging them to read books, explore new activities and learn new skills. This year we are going digital with the launch of an innovative site developed by Beanstack, opens a new window. The site will provide participants with the tools to track reading goals, receive recommended reading lists and earn badges by reading and performing activities. Users also have the ability to register multiple family members online with one account, providing a fun and free way for the whole family to engage with education during the school break. Register online at summerlearners.org, opens a new window or in person at your local library. The programs runs through August 31st.
'Tis the Season to Be Scholarly
Yes, summer is the season for fun and relaxation--and everyone knows learning can be a blast! So why not take it up a notch by setting the goal to read and learn every day this summer. San Mateo County Libraries will help keep you on track with an activity log that will inspire and challenge you to achieve your goals. Summer Learning Challenge participants will have access to fantastic perks, including free books, weekly raffles, and a chance to win the grand prize of a $1,000 college scholarship (youth participants only).
An added bonus: children benefit when they keep their brains active all the time. The California Department of Education created the "Summer Matters, opens a new window" initiative to support summer learning. Studies show that summer scholars tend to retain the information they learned during the past school year--and in some cases, students can accelerate their knowledge during summer so that they come back to school in the fall prepared and ready to jump right back into full-time academics.
What Are You Going to Read?
Summer is an awesome time to read what you want, where ever you want. Whether you're at the beach, visiting another country, or snuggled up in bed, there's more time and freedom to read about whatever grabs your attention. Fiction, nonfiction, magazines, comics, audio books: it's all good! If you're into social reading, you could read to someone younger than you or start a book club. Even reading as little as 15 minutes a day will put a smile on your face (and fire up the synapses in your brain)!
Get Up and Play
Another key to a well-balanced summer is engaging in a variety of activities. A surefire way to keep your mind active is to challenge yourself to try new things. We have some ideas for you:
- Cook a meal with your family.
- Go on a hike or bike ride.
- Start learning a new language.
- Visit a museum. Get free passes from the library using Discover & Go!
- Create a comic.
- Play a musical instrument.
- Volunteer in your community.
- Learn to code.
- Explore an eBook/eAudiobook or eMagazine from the library.
- Come to a library program!
Accept the Challenge
We look forward to helping you meet the challenge this summer! Join us for a full line-up of daily library programs, explore smcl.org and our online resources, and let us connect you to the tools you need to have a active, joyous, and fulfilling summer!
How do you plan to take on the challenge? Let us know below.
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