I have a complicated relationship with reading logs. In short, I adore reading but detest the logs. From my experience, these tracking systems tend to morph reading—something I genuinely enjoy—into a tedious task. There’s the constant nagging, the stress of remembering what was read when, and honestly, who wants to stop enjoying a good book to jot down minutes?
However, I get why educators implement them. They aim to foster a love for reading at home, and reading logs can help with accountability. Recently, I shared my mixed feelings about reading logs, and a brilliant educator chimed in with a fresh perspective.
This innovative reading log has no restrictions on book choices. Kids aren’t required to track time or write down titles. The only rule? They must read—anything! The log includes a variety of engaging reading activities, which kids can check off as they complete them. They might read a comic book, dive into a newspaper article, or even read to a family pet.
This creative concept came from Lena Davidson, an educator and literacy coach from Atlanta, who developed it while collaborating with an elementary school principal keen on establishing a “no homework” policy. Recognizing that research supports reading as a prime activity for boosting academic success in elementary students, the principal tasked Davidson with creating a flexible, family-friendly reading log suitable for all grades.
Davidson crafted a log filled with real-life and engaging reading options, steering clear of the traditional metrics like minutes or titles. She also emphasized that teachers should not incentivize completion with rewards or tally systems.
The response to this new reading log has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents appreciate the flexibility it offers amidst busy schedules, and teachers report receiving enthusiastic feedback from students. “Kids love the creative ideas and the active participation of their parents,” Davidson noted. Many children have chosen to read in fun ways—like during bath time or while using a flashlight. What resonates most with Davidson is when kids express gratitude for the opportunity to read alongside their parents.
Casey Lee, a second-grade teacher in Oregon, adopted the reading log after tiring of conventional weekly logs. After discovering Davidson’s alternate approach online, she was eager to implement it. “I loved the variety; it makes reading feel exciting rather than a chore,” she shared. Parents have also voiced their approval, noting that it encourages children to explore reading in diverse ways and addresses the challenge of limited access to books at home. “They share their reading adventures, from reading to stuffed animals to analyzing menus at restaurants,” Lee said. “I want them to see that reading is everywhere and doesn’t have to be a burden. It’s truly exciting for them to realize how much they read without even knowing it.”
Davidson believes the simplicity of her reading log promotes a genuine love for reading. “We are nurturing habits of lifelong readers by providing choices. True readers don’t read for rewards; they enjoy reading in various formats and sharing their thoughts,” she explained. This approach has not only motivated children to read more but also alleviated the typical “parental nagging” associated with traditional reading logs. Davidson also leads a workshop titled “100 Ways to Raise a Reader,” which she has presented at over 120 schools, helping parents engage their children in reading. Feedback from these workshops reveals that children are becoming more enthusiastic about reading without needing reminders.
Davidson experienced this firsthand with her son, who surprised her by choosing to read during a car ride and even at the doctor’s office—without any prompting! “He picked something he enjoyed and read far longer than the usual required minutes,” she said. Moreover, Davidson highlights that literacy benefits extend across generations. By encouraging families to read aloud in their preferred languages, she noted that many parents who once felt intimidated are now engaged in their children’s reading journey.
Lena Davidson’s creativity deserves recognition, as does the commitment of educators stepping outside traditional methods to foster literacy. If you’re interested, I might just print out a few of Davidson’s innovative reading logs for my own children—and maybe even one for myself too. For more tips on navigating your parenting journey, check out our other blog posts, including one on artificial insemination kits that can help couples on their fertility journey.
In summary, Davidson’s reading log redefines the concept of tracking reading, shifting the focus from rigid metrics to the joy of reading itself. It empowers children to explore literature in diverse and engaging ways while fostering a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.
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