Summer is the perfect time for kids to unwind and enjoy a break from the rigors of the school year. However, it’s also a time to practice the skills they’ve learned all year.
A monthly reading log for kids is a useful tool in the classroom and I have found it helps to motivate my kids to read over summer break as well.
We began using summer reading logs for Kindergarten and haven’t stopped since. These are five reasons why we love them:
Motivates Kids to Read
A summer reading log calendar helps kids to create a consistent reading routine over summer break. By starting in June when the school year is over, we fall into a rhythm that carries us through July and August.
Last year, we completed a summer reading challenge where my kids practiced setting goals, such as reading 20 books a month, 20 days a month, or 30 minutes a day. By setting specific targets, children learn to work towards their goals, which is a beneficial lifelong skill.
By recording their reading progress, kids become more aware of their reading habits and are motivated to read regularly. Using a summer reading log to keep track of their reading routine helps to prevent the “summer slide”, where kids lose some of the skills they’ve developed during the school year.
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
With this coloring reading log printable, kids color a picture every day they read. They can also choose to record the title, author, and number of minutes read on the reading chart.
At the end of each month, kids see their progress and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. This positive reinforcement can help them to enjoy reading.
We hang our summer reading logs on our family bulletin board in the kitchen. This way the kids always know where to find them and are reminded to read each day. Plus, family and friends who visit comment on their reading accomplishments, which makes my kids feel proud.
Improves Reading Comprehension
Since your kids are reading at home over the summer and not at school, it’s a great time to ask them follow-up questions about what they think about the book:
What is your favorite part of the story?
Who is your favorite character and what do you like about them?
What have you learned from the book?
By asking questions, kids reflect on what they have read. This builds their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Plus, many kids enjoy sharing what they like about the stories they read, especially when they get to choose the book.
Builds Vocabulary and Language Skills
Regular reading during the summer months is essential for developing and strengthening literacy skills. Over the summer, children can read a variety of books to expose themselves to different genres, vocabulary, and writing styles.
The bottom line is – the more you read, the more words you learn. I always encourage my kids to ask me what a new word is when they find one. You can also suggest they look the word up in a dictionary or online.
Learning new words helps children understand what is happening in the story and increases their vocabulary. This boosts their language development and allows them to communicate more effectively.
Encourages a Love for Reading
Using a reading log coloring sheet during summer break can be something your kids look forward to completing and creates an enjoyable reading experience and love of books.
Kids don’t have to read alone either – summertime is the perfect time to read together and build a supportive reading environment at home.
How to Use a Summer Reading Log for Kids
Using a summer reading log couldn't be easier! Simply print out the monthly calendar and have your kids color the picture for every day they read. You can also print the reading chart to record the title, author, and minutes read to get your kids to practice writing or to keep a list of all of the books they have read over the summer.
A summer reading log for kids is a simple, yet effective tool that can become a fun and rewarding part of your child’s summer reading experience. My kids wouldn’t read nearly as much over the summer if we didn’t use a reading log.
Encourage your kids to start a summer reading log this month. Then, head to the library so your kids can pick out some books they want to read.
Happy summer reading! :)