Panda Express “Read with Me” Program Rewards Reading (updated 2024)

What do Panda Express and homeschool kids have in common? More than you’d think! I recently discovered the Panda Express “Read with Me” program and, whether you’re a homeschool parent or a traditional teacher…you gonna love it!

If you know me, you know I’m ALL about any sort of programs that encourage kids to read. Spending afternoons reading books was a positive part of my childhood, so I’m all for encouraging kids to do the same.

While my kids already participate in reading programs from Pizza Hut and Barnes & Noble, I was scrolling through Facebook one day when I noticed a post in a group about the Panda Express reading program. My scroll immediately screeched to a halt and I legit yelled “whaaaaaat?!” out loud. Yes, my family was confused, but they really shouldn’t be. I mean, I get excited about random things all the time (don’t you?).

Anyways, I did a quick Google search for “Panda Express Reading Program” and came upon their “Read with Me” program. And, let me tell you, if your kids love Chinese food (read: you like being able to take a break from making a meal) and you’re looking for a way to encourage them to read more…you should sign up!

It’s super easy to sign up for the reading program! And, if you ask me, free Panda Express is always a good thing, right?!

Basics of the Panda Express “Read with Me” Reading Program

You can get all the details on the Panda Express “Read with Me” website, but here’s the basics:

• The Read with Me Program is open to pre-school through elementary-age kids (ages 5-11)
  • along with traditional classrooms, homeschool kids ARE eligible!
• this program is totally FREE!
• After completing a reading goal (the website suggests 5 books, but you could always increase that goal), enrolled students are rewarded with a code that can be redeemed for a free Panda Express Kid’s Meal!
• for classrooms/families with fewer than 15 children, rewards will be provided digitally upon acceptance into the program
• children can be enrolled in the Read with Me program throughout the year, but they do stop accepting calendar-year enrollments 4 weeks before December 31.

After I finished reading through the details, I submitted all my info to apply for enrollment in the program. It did take about a week or so to get my application approved, so be prepared to check your email pretty often for that acceptance email. (we like Chinese food, what can I say…of course I was checking my inbox nonstop).

If you’re a homeschooling parent like me, you probably have fewer than 15 children (I might be wrong, though), so your rewards will be provided right away. If you’re a teacher in a traditional school setting, or have more than 15 children, you’ll be able to get your rewards after your kids/students have completed their reading program requirements.

Either way, definitely check out these 13 ways to get access to cheap or free books for kids and grab my free printable monthly reading logs! They’ll keep the kids reading all year long and can serve as a great way to keep track of their reading (ya know, for record-keeping) and as a visual to encourage them to read everyday!

Once the kids have achieved their reading goals, the hard decision will really begin: honey sesame chicken or beef and broccoli?

Until next time, stay safe and enjoy quality time with your family,