The arrival of summer is associated with days spent at the beach, balmy evenings at bars and restaurants, and the general sense of relaxation that comes with the festive season.
But, summer also marks the beginning of the dreaded summer holidays.
There is no denying that after a while, the unending presence of homework-free children can wear slightly thin over the course of a two month break from school. This is particularly the case when the children's primary activity is playing loud and obnoxious Play Station games or listening to unending re-runs of cartoons.
With this problem in mind, the
City of Sydney has decided to offer mum and dad a break by hosting a read-a-thon, with prizes including entry into the draw to win an iPod Nano for reading over 100 books. If your child reads over 50 books, they will win a book prize.
The read-a-thon is open to all children over the age of 5, and will run until 1 February 2011.
The process of getting involved is simple. Simply visit any of the City of Sydney
network of libraries and ask for a reading log. The network includes libraries in
Glebe,
Haymarket,
Kings Cross,
Newtown,
Paddington, and
Surry Hills.
Apart from the likelihood of increasing your children's vocabulary, creative writing skills, and putting them in the draw to win some great prizes, it might allow you to watch an often-missed cooking show while the kids are in their rooms, reading!
