I have a complicated relationship with reading logs. I adore the act of reading itself but find the logging process tedious.
From my experience, traditional reading logs often transform the joy of reading into a burdensome task. There’s the pressure to keep track of time and titles, and who really wants to interrupt a thrilling story just to jot down the details? I get that schools want to foster reading at home, and logs are a straightforward tool to achieve this. However, they can become sources of stress and guesswork.
Recently, I shared my mixed feelings about reading logs, and that’s when a brilliant idea emerged in the comments. Unlike conventional logs, this unique version has no restrictions on the type of books to read. No need to monitor reading time or note down titles. The only requirement? Just read—anything!
Children are encouraged to explore a variety of reading opportunities. They can delve into comic books, newspaper articles, or even read in the bathtub. They might listen to audiobooks or read to a pet or a neighbor.
Meet Olivia Carter
This innovative reading log concept was created by Olivia Carter, a dedicated educator and literacy specialist from a school in Seattle. The idea originated while she collaborated with an elementary school principal who insisted on implementing a “no homework” policy across grades.
Recognizing that reading is crucial for academic success, the principal tasked Carter with designing a flexible, family-friendly reading log that would work for students in all grades. Together, they crafted a reading log filled with practical and engaging reading options. Unlike typical logs, this one doesn’t require tracking minutes or counting books, nor does it ask students to write down authors or titles.
Moreover, Carter emphasized to teachers the importance of not rewarding students for completing the log or tallying their reading. The response to this alternative reading log has been nothing short of remarkable. Parents appreciate the flexibility it provides in their busy lives, and teachers have reported enthusiastic feedback.
“Kids are loving the different ideas and their parents’ involvement,” Carter shared. “I’ve noticed many children picking fun activities like reading in the bathtub or using a flashlight.” However, what resonates most with her are the moments when students express gratitude for the chance to read alongside their parents.
Adoption by Other Educators
Sarah Collins, a second-grade teacher from California, adopted this reading log after growing weary of traditional weekly logs. After discovering Carter’s version online, she was captivated by its variety and potential to spark excitement about reading at home. “As a mom myself, I understand the struggle of getting kids engaged in reading,” she explained. “Parents have shared positive feedback, noting that it encourages kids to read in creative ways and addresses the issue of limited access to books at home.”
Students enjoy sharing the diverse ways they read throughout the week, whether it’s to their stuffed animals, reading menus at restaurants, or even reading signs while on the road. “I want them to realize that reading is everywhere and doesn’t have to feel like a chore,” she emphasized. “It’s exciting for them to discover how much they read without even realizing it.”
Carter believes the simplicity of this reading log fosters a love for reading. “We’re simply encouraging habits of lifelong readers and providing options. True readers don’t seek prizes or count pages; they enjoy exploring a variety of materials and sharing their experiences with others.”
Positive Outcomes
This approach not only motivates children to read more but also reduces the nagging often associated with traditional logs. Carter also leads a workshop titled “100 Ways to Cultivate a Reader,” presented at over 120 schools, helping parents engage their children in reading. Feedback from these workshops indicates that children are becoming more eager to read without constant reminders.
Carter witnessed this firsthand with her own son, who surprised her by choosing to read during a car ride and continued at the doctor’s office—without any prompting from her. “He opted to read something he enjoyed and kept at it much longer than the usual ‘required’ minutes,” she noted.
Furthermore, the literacy benefits extend to future generations. By encouraging families to read aloud in their preferred language, many parents who previously felt hesitant due to concerns about academic impact are now more actively participating in their children’s reading journey.
“One mother who spoke Spanish left our workshop, gathered several books in Spanish, and shared them with her husband,” Carter recalled. “She later emailed a photo of him reading with their boys for the first time. He had never done that before but felt empowered to share a love of literacy.”
Kudos to Carter for her creativity and to the educators willing to rethink traditional literacy practices. Now, I’m off to print some of this innovative reading log for my kids—and perhaps for myself too. You can find a printable version of the reading log available in both English and Spanish here.
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Summary
Olivia Carter, an educator from Seattle, has created an innovative reading log that encourages children to explore various reading formats without the pressures of tracking time or titles. This flexible approach has garnered positive feedback from parents and teachers, fostering a love for reading among students and enhancing family involvement in literacy.