Inspired by reading challenges offered by many public libraries but limited to people in those specific communities, GSHE is hosting a 2023 Reading Challenge for NH’s homeschool community! 
It is just for fun, to help young readers explore new authors, subjects, and genres. Our monthly challenges are very broad so families may choose whatever book they wish and feel is appropriate for their children.
We announce each challenge in our monthly newsletters – they usually go out around the 13th or so. This is where you will first see our monthly reading challenge, as a bonus to our subscribers. Sign up for our newsletter at our website; there is a box in the right-hand column that says “join today” and pop-up boxes to register. If you have any difficulty, email us at info@GraniteStateHomeEducators.org and we will register you.
Participants are not required to write book reports, give oral presentations, or complete formal projects, and families are free to incorporate our reading challenge into their child’s learning as they see fit. We have a simple 2023 GSHE Reading Challenge log that families may print out to keep track of their child’s participation, if they wish. It can be part of your child’s homeschool portfolio!
PARTICIPATION RULES
Parents/guardians may send GSHE one submission per month per child – include the child’s name and age along with what book he/she read. Email us at info@GraniteStateHomeEducators.org with “Reading Challenge” in the subject line so we can more easily keep track of everything. Submissions are due before the next month’s challenge is announced.
Each month’s participation is another chance to win! For example, if your child reads something each month, that give him/her multiple opportunities to win one of our prizes. If a child participates in six of the monthly challenges, that is six chances to win.
For kids that are not reading independently, audio books and books you read together are perfectly fine. All reading abilities are welcome to participate.
At the end of the year, we will award $25 Amazon gift cards to FOUR lucky winners!
Let’s get started!!
For November, read a book or manual about something you want to learn!
For this month’s challenge, read a book or manual of some kind that provides instruction about something you want to learn and then try it out. Everyone needs to learn new things along the way, beyond academics, so here an opportunity!
What has your homeschooler always wanted to learn, but didn’t have the time to explore? It is our hope that this month’s challenge inspires self-directed learning and skill development.
Our suggestions below can be adapted for younger children and different skill levels, and it’s fine for parents/guardians to help as needed.
Suggestions
Learn computer coding or a language
Try a sewing or crochet project
Develop a computer app
Bake from scratch – cake, brownies, muffins, pancakes, etc
Construct a catapult
Build a computer
Fix a broken household item or something around the home
Make a budget
Plan a camping or road trip to a favorite destination
Learn basic car maintenance – jump start a battery, change a tire, check the oil, etc
Plan, budget, and prepare a family meal
Explore a world language
Learn how to play chess
Create a woodworking project – there are kits readily available that don’t require a large tool collection
Try out an instrument – guitar, recorder, piano, etc
Research part-time job options and the application process
Figure out how to use a map and compass
Research how to care for a pet
Learn first aid and how to handle common home emergencies – stop a nosebleed, how to dial 911, what to do if there is a fire, develop an escape plan for the household, how to handle small cuts and abrasions, etc.
