When it comes to reading logs, I find myself torn. I genuinely enjoy reading, but the logs? Not so much.
From my experience, these charts often transform reading—a pleasurable activity—into a tedious obligation. They come with a lot of stress, nagging, and the headache of trying to remember what was read when. Who really wants to keep track of reading time when they’re engrossed in a fantastic book?
However, I see the intention behind them. Educators aim to foster reading at home, and reading logs can be a straightforward method to achieve that goal. They can enhance accountability, too.
Recently, after expressing my mixed feelings about traditional reading logs, a teacher shared a brilliant concept in the comments. This alternative reading log differs significantly from standard ones; it places no restrictions on the types of books to be read. No need to track reading time or note the titles of books—just read anything!
Kids can check off a variety of enjoyable reading activities, such as reading comic books or newspaper articles, enjoying a book in the bathtub, or even listening to an audiobook. This creative reading log was developed by Mia Johnson, a learning strategist and literacy specialist from a school in Nevada. She crafted it while collaborating with an elementary school principal who wanted to implement a no-homework policy across the board.
Recognizing that research highlights reading as the most effective homework assignment for boosting elementary students’ academic performance, the principal tasked Johnson with creating an open-ended, family-friendly reading log suitable for all grade levels.
Working closely with the principal, Johnson designed a reading log filled with real-life, engaging options for kids to explore. Unlike conventional logs, this one doesn’t require students—or more likely their parents—to track reading minutes or book titles. Moreover, Johnson emphasized that teachers were instructed not to offer rewards for completion or for accumulating the most ticks.
The response to this innovative reading log has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents appreciate the flexibility offered by this “menu” of options, especially when managing busy schedules. Teachers have also received encouraging feedback regarding the logs.
“Children love the activities and the chance to engage their parents,” Johnson shared. “I’ve had numerous kids pick options like reading in the bathtub, using a flashlight, or reading to a family pet.” The most heartwarming responses, according to her, come from children expressing gratitude for the chance to read with their parents.
Emma Taylor, a second-grade teacher from California, began using Johnson’s reading log last year after feeling exhausted by the traditional weekly logs. After searching online, she discovered this alternative and was immediately taken with it.
“I appreciated the variety and thought it would inspire students to enjoy reading at home instead of resenting it,” she said, noting that as a mother, she understood the struggle of keeping kids interested in reading. She has received favorable feedback from parents, noting that the log encourages children to read in diverse ways, addressing the challenge of limited access to books at home for some students.
“Kids share their unique reading experiences, from reading to stuffed animals to poring over menus at restaurants,” she explained. “I want them to realize that reading is everywhere and doesn’t have to feel like a chore. They often express surprise at how much they’ve actually read without realizing it.”
Johnson believes that the simplicity of this alternative reading log fosters a love of reading. “We’re just promoting habits of lifelong readers and offering choices. Lifelong readers don’t read for prizes or keep track of pages but enjoy reading in various settings and materials, sharing their thoughts, and always seeking the next great read.”
This new approach to reading logs has not only motivated children to read more but also eliminated the need for persistent parental reminders. Johnson also conducts workshops titled “100 Ways to Raise a Reader,” which have been presented at over 120 schools, helping parents encourage their children to read. Feedback from these workshops suggests that children are now more eager to read without prompts.
Johnson found this to be true with her own son, who surprised her by choosing to read in the car and continued at a doctor’s office—without her urging. “He picked something he enjoyed and read for much longer than the typical required minutes,” she noted.
Moreover, Johnson believes that promoting literacy has long-lasting benefits for families. By encouraging parents to read aloud to their children in their preferred language, many families who previously felt hesitant about impacting their child’s academic growth are now more engaged in their kids’ reading journeys.
One mother, who spoke Spanish, left a workshop with a stack of books in her language and shared a photo of her husband reading to their boys for the first time.
Hats off to Johnson for her creativity and to the educators who are thinking outside the box to foster literacy. Now, I’m off to print a few of Johnson’s alternative reading logs for my own kids—and maybe one for myself too.
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In summary, the unique reading log created by Mia Johnson has transformed the approach to fostering reading habits in children, encouraging them to embrace reading without the pressure of traditional logs. The flexibility and creativity of this log have led to significant positive feedback from both parents and teachers, making reading an enjoyable activity rather than a chore.
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