Prepare the reading cards. Label the cards with numbers for the weeks of the reading program (a "1" in the upper right corner for week one cards, and so on). Make eight boxes on each card -- students will use these to keep track of how much they read. You will need two cards for each week of the reading program for each participant.
Organize the prizes. Children will earn a small prize for every two hours that they read. You will need a maximum of two prizes per week for each participating student. Place the prizes in a large box to enable students to choose prizes as they earn them.
Explain the reading program to the children. Each participant must place an "X" in each box on their reading cards for each 15-minute increment of reading time. When students fill a box, they must get a parent's signature to validate the child's reading time. Students can then turn in their completed reading cards to choose a prize. Students can turn in a maximum of two reading cards for prizes per week. Give each participating child the first of the two reading cards for week one.
Invite students to write their names on small slips of paper. Collect the names and place them in a large box or container for a drawing at the end of the program. Show students two or three large prizes that they might win in the drawing. This can motivate them to participate throughout the entire program.
Check the reading cards as the children return them. If a card has eight "Xs" and a parent's signature, award a small prize. Give students the second reading card for the week after they turn in the first one. After students return the second reading card for the week, give the first reading card for the next week, but explain that the student cannot turn this card in until the next week.
Host a party at the end of the program. Serve juice and small treats to the participants in celebration of finishing the summer reading program. You could show a movie and serve popcorn. Tell the students that you will draw names to award the larger prizes and you will notify the winners.
Draw the winning names for the large prizes. Doing this away from the participants helps minimize disappointment for the children who do not win. Give the large prizes to the drawing winners at a separate time.