By: Jamie Collins
I’ve always had a mixed feeling about reading logs. I enjoy the act of reading itself, but the log part? Not so much. I’ve found that tracking reading usually transforms the joy of a good book into a tedious task filled with pressure and guesswork. Who wants to be bothered with logging every minute spent engrossed in a captivating story?
That said, I recognize the intent behind these logs. Teachers aim to foster reading at home, and reading logs serve as a straightforward method to achieve this. They also promote some level of accountability, I suppose.
I recently expressed my frustrations with traditional reading logs, and a brilliant educator shared a refreshing idea in response. Instead of the usual requirements, this innovative approach has no restrictions on what kind of materials can be read. There’s no need to track reading time or write down book titles. The only rule? Just read—anything!
This reading log features a diverse list of fun reading activities that children can check off as they complete them. They can read comic books, newspaper articles, or even listen to audiobooks. Options include reading in the bathtub or sharing a story with a family pet, which makes it all the more engaging.
The brain behind this inventive reading log is Alex Thompson, an educator and literacy advocate based in Seattle. This alternative log emerged during her collaboration with an elementary school principal, who was determined to implement a “no homework” policy across the school.
Since research indicates that reading can significantly boost academic performance for younger students, the principal tasked Thompson with creating a flexible, family-friendly reading log suitable for all grades. Together, they crafted a log that offers numerous real-world reading options without the usual constraints of tracking minutes or book titles. Importantly, teachers were also instructed to refrain from rewarding students for completing the log.
The reception to this unique reading log has been nothing short of amazing. Parents have expressed how the variety of options accommodates their busy schedules, and teachers have reported a wave of positive feedback.
“Kids enjoy the creative ideas, and parents get to be more involved,” Thompson noted. “I’ve seen children opt for options like reading with a flashlight or sharing stories with their pets.” The most heartwarming feedback, she shared, comes from kids who express gratitude for the chance to read alongside their parents.
One educator, Lisa Harris, a second-grade teacher from Texas, shared her experience of integrating the new reading log into her classroom. After feeling frustrated with traditional weekly logs, she stumbled upon Thompson’s concept online and embraced it wholeheartedly.
“I loved the variety it offered and thought it might inspire my students to view reading at home as an exciting adventure instead of a chore,” Harris explained. As a fellow parent, she understands the struggle to ignite a love for reading in children. Parents have shared positive feedback, noting how the log encourages unique reading practices and assists those with limited access to books at home.
Students have shared their enjoyment of diverse reading experiences, whether it’s reading to stuffed animals, engaging with comic books, or even reading signs while on car rides. “I want them to realize that reading is everywhere, and it can be fun instead of a task,” Harris remarked.
Thompson believes that the simplicity of this alternative reading log fosters a genuine love for reading. “We are merely highlighting habits of lifelong readers and providing choices,” she stated. “True readers engage with various materials, enjoy sharing their thoughts, and are always excited to discover their next read.”
Not only has this reading log motivated children to dive into books, but it has also alleviated the dreaded “parental nagging.” Thompson also leads workshops like “100 Ways to Raise a Reader,” which she has presented at numerous schools, helping parents support their children’s reading journeys. Feedback indicates that kids are now more eager to read without needing reminders.
Thompson shared a personal story about her son, who surprised her by choosing to read in the car and continued at a doctor’s office—without her prompting. “He picked something he actually liked, and it kept his attention much longer than the typical required reading,” she said.
Furthermore, Thompson emphasized that the benefits of literacy resonate across generations. By encouraging families to read aloud in their preferred language, many parents who previously felt apprehensive about impacting their child’s academic journey are now actively involved in their children’s reading.
One mother, who spoke Spanish, left a workshop inspired and shared a photo of her husband reading with their children for the first time. “He had never read to them before and now feels empowered to share his love of reading,” Thompson noted.
Kudos to Thompson for her creative approach and to the educators willing to innovate in the pursuit of promoting literacy. Now, I’m excited to print out some of Thompson’s alternate reading logs for my children—and maybe even one for myself.
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Summary:
This article highlights a creative reading log developed by educator Alex Thompson that encourages children to read without the stress of tracking titles or time, instead offering a menu of engaging reading activities. The approach has garnered positive feedback from parents and teachers, helping to foster a love of reading in children.