Bear with me for a minute, because I want to unpack that a bit. First, know that I have lots of thoughts about reading. I’m a former elementary school teacher and former literacy consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education. I have a PhD in curriculum & instruction, with a focus on literacy. I’m a literacy professor currently, and I teach people to teach kids to read for a living. Now that you know I’m not just your great aunt raving on Facebook, let’s talk about the reading log. I, like many teachers, have a complicated relationship with reading logs. Parents and teachers want kids to read and the reading log seems like a good way to make sure that’s happening. Unfortunately, many adults don’t realize that reading logs for kids often do more harm than good.
What’s the Problem With Reading Logs for Kids?
Good readers read a lot. It makes sense, then, that having kids log their reading is a fine way to get them to read more. However, research shows that this isn’t what really happens. Often, reading logs have the opposite effect. They make kids want to read less. Why? Several reasons. First, extrinsic motivation is a fickle thing. If rewards or grades are linked to the reading log, that might be motivating…for awhile. It’s unlikely, though, that kids will want to read beyond what is required for the reward or after the rewards stop. Additionally, with extrinsic rewards at stake, kids are likely to fake it if they can. (That means being dishonest on their reading logs. I won’t rant today, but this also applies to Accelerated Reader. Barf.) Second, reading logs can make reading feel like a chore. Kids who enjoy reading will read more and read better over time. When we make reading a task, or worse a punishment, we destroy kids’ motivation to do it. We should be trying to make reading a joyful activity. Lastly, you, the teacher, and the kids all know that the log is about accountability, not building a lasting love of reading. It won’t take kids long to start separating “fun reading” from “school reading.” Even worse, they learn that reading is not a thing they do for pleasure, but for adults’ satisfaction. Trust me, there are other ways to hold kids accountable for reading. Consider these alternatives to reading logs. Check out these 11 Great Reading Comprehension Apps for Kids and these Best Reading Apps for Kids as you look for more ways to support your kids’ literacy.
Still Determined to Use Reading Logs?
Fine. There are people out there who stand by the reading log and, since I’m writing this post, I am not condoning them outright. Before I share some, though, I’m going to make you promise to do (or at least read) the following three things:
Free Reading Logs for Kids
Reading logs can vary in their level of detail and other elements. If you are considering a log for younger children, keep it simple. Look for logs that include a place for the title and author, maybe number of pages, and an easy rating system. As kids grow older, you might look for logs that ask for summaries, include graphic organizers, or ask kids to write a review. Now to the links to reading logs. I can hear you saying “finally!” and I don’t blame you. Hopefully you found the previous information helpful. Now what you came for: some reading logs for kids.
ReadWriteThink.org is a pretty reliable website for literacy info. They have a few free reading log printable like this and this. With a free account on Teachers Pay Teachers, you can access lots of free templates created by teachers. K12 Reader has some very basic printable reading logs. Homeschool Buyers Co-op offers many printable logs for kids. Various departments of education feature simple reading logs for teacher and parent use, like this one in English and Spanish from Wyoming.
Cheap Reading Logs for Kids
If those aren’t cute enough for you, rest assured there are more options. Below, you’ll find a few inexpensive printable reading logs from Etsy. (Prices were accurate at the time of this post but are subject to change.) This cute bundle can be downloaded instantly for $5.50. You can personalize and print this rainbow reading log for just $2.00. This reading log is entirely customizable for $4.99. This log includes a 5-star rating system for only $1!
Reading Journals for Kids
Perhaps you want your children to keep track of their reading in a more comprehensive manner and over an extended time frame. Consider these reading journals to encourage kids to read AND write.
