How it works

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How it works
By Amie

It's actually very low-maintenance. Each month I print out a reading log on my computer, repeating the instructions at the top of each log. I make one line for each date included, and I have 4 columns: date, material read,
# of minutes, and adult initials. At the end of the log, I list the required number of minutes for the month and the associated grades.
I allow the reading logs to be signed by any adult in charge of the student - parent, babysitter, afterschool teacher, grandparent, etc. At the beginning of the year, I check the logs daily to get the students into the habit of getting them signed.

As the year goes on, I just check them at the beginning of the week, so students don't go the entire month without keeping records. Students are required to read at least 30 minutes a night, although I do ease them back into it (20 min. for Aug., 25 min. for Sept.). Any reading that they do as part of other assignments (Science book, newspaper article, etc.) can count toward their reading total.

I don't regulate what the students read for several reasons. One, it's too difficult! Two, they have certain reading-level demands placed on them anyway (homework, novel studies, etc.). Three, they are graded on the time invested, so reading easier books wouldn't give them any great benefit. And finally, most kids get bored reading below their level after a while and switch back on their own.

No, I don't connect this to Accelerated Reader because we don't use AR in our school. This might be a nice complement to AR though, because it would give credit to those students who have to invest more time to finish a book. Good luck!