Free Printable Reading Log to Keep Kids Reading This Summer!
Summer is here! While we all love the long, lazy days of sunshine and popsicles, there’s one thing we don’t want our kids to take a break from—reading! If you’re looking for a simple, fun way to keep your child reading during the break, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find a free printable reading log to help kids track their summer reading while making it a fun challenge. And the best part? You can grab it for free here!
Why Reading is Important for Kids
Reading isn’t just another box to check off on the summer to-do list—it’s a superpower that improves language skills, emotional awareness, writing, and critical thinking (Sheldon-Dean, 2024). Here’s why encouraging summer reading is a must:
- Prevents the summer slide: Research shows kids’ test scores flatten or drop during summer months (Kuhfeld, 2024).
- Builds vocabulary and comprehension: The more kids read, the more words they learn and understand, setting them up for success in school and beyond (Sheldon-Dean, 2024).
- Reading builds a wide base of background knowledge: Knowledge acquired from reading, or being read to, sets the stage for further learning when their formal education begins. Children learn a broad array of information from the books they read or from books that are read to them by parents or other caregivers. Adults can provide context and reinforce concepts presented in books. Kids who are read to consistently have a broader range of general knowledge regarding nature, history, and social/emotional interaction. Exposure to these topics serves as a building block for new information they will learn later in school (Sheldon-Dean, 2024).
How to Encourage Kids to Read
We all know that simply telling kids to read isn’t always enough. I have one child that loves to read and only occasionally has to be reminded and another that needs a great deal of encouragement to read. Here are a few ways to make reading a fun and natural part of summer break:
1. Let Them Choose Their Own Books
Summer reading should be about fun! Let your child pick out books that interest them, whether it’s graphic novels, joke books, or adventure stories.
2. Make It a Family Activity
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Try family read-aloud time, take turns reading pages, have older siblings read to younger ones, or start a small book club with your child and their friends.
3. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
A comfy corner with pillows, a soft blanket, and good lighting can make reading time feel special and inviting.
4. Set a Daily Reading Time
15-20 Minutes a day can make a big difference. Pair it with a bedtime routine, or make it a morning ritual before heading out for the day.
5. Make It a Challenge
Many libraries and bookstores offer summer reading programs with incentives. You can also create your own family challenge using this Free Printable Reading Log with rewards like a fun outing, prize, or activity.
Want even more ways to encourage your child to read? Check out my post on 18 Ways to Encourage Reading in Elementary-Aged Kids for practical tips!
Free Printable Reading Log
I’ve created a free printable reading log that you can download to make summer reading even more fun and motivating! This log helps kids track their progress and see their accomplishments in a tangible way.
By signing up for my email list, you’ll receive an instant download of the Free Printable Summer Reading Log, perfect for:
- Tracking pages read or minutes of reading per day
- Setting reading goals
- Encouraging accountability with checkboxes and spaces for book titles
👉 Get your free printable reading log now!
How to Use the Reading Log Over the Summer
Now that you have your free printable reading log, here are some creative ways to make the most of it:
1. Set a Reading Goal
Decide on a goal for a week, month or the whole summer—whether it’s a certain number of books, pages, or minutes spent reading.
2. Have your child log their reading daily
Let your child fill in the reading log each time they complete a book or reach a milestone.
3. Incorporate a Reward System
Create a fun reward system for completed reading logs—like a special treat, a movie night, or a trip to the bookstore.
4. Make It a Family Event
Print a reading log for each child to track their reading. Adults can also log their reading for fun and to encourage a culture of reading in your home. Set a family reading challenge where everyone tracks their reading and celebrates progress together.
Summer reading doesn’t have to be a struggle. With a little encouragement, a comfy reading nook, and this free printable reading log, your child can stay engaged and excited about books all season long. Don’t forget to grab your free download and keep the summer fun—and the reading—going strong!
Happy reading! 📚☀️
Kuhfeld, M. (2024, April 20). Summer Learning Loss: What We Know and What We’re Learning. NWEA.org. https://www.nwea.org/blog/2024/summer-learning-loss-what-we-know-what-were-learning/
Sheldon-Dean,H. (2024, December 2). Why Is It Important to Read to Your Child? Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/why-is-it-important-to-read-to-your-child/#:~:text=The%20benefits%20of%20reading%20to%20children%20include,world%2C%20and%20develop%20empathy%20and%20emotional%20awareness.&text=The%20effects%20of%20reading%20on%20child%20development,and%20learn%20how%20to%20handle%20challenging%20feelings.
