Reading record – Alternative idea for primary

What's included?

Two PDFs

Key Stage

KS1, KS2

Age

Years 1-6

Subjects

Ah, the humble reading record. A reliable fixture of the primary school classroom and the building blocks of an institution that’s loved by parents and teachers alike. Or is it?

For every parent who is happy to provide a page-long essay describing their child’s nightly reading in minute detail, there is another who suddenly realises that it is 9pm Sunday evening and there are now five days of comments to fill in.

Here are two alternative ways to keep a record of children’s reading…

Bookmark

Are you ready to make tracking reading progress a breeze? Introducing our fantastic bookmarks designed with you and busy parents in mind! These bookmarks are not just any bookmarks; they’re your ticket to a stress-free reading record system.

Download and cut out our adorable bookmarks. Each one comes with spaces for parents to add their initials every time they hear their child read during the week. No need for lengthy comments; just a simple initial does the trick.

A parent, juggling various responsibilities, can quickly add their mark, giving you a comprehensive overview of a child’s reading journey. It’s the perfect solution for busy bees who want to be involved but might struggle to find time for detailed note-taking.

Plus, kids love to see those initials pile up, turning reading into a fun and collaborative adventure.

Bookshelf

Say hello to our bookshelf illustration – a whimsical way for children to keep track of the books they conquer. It’s not just a record; it’s a personalised reading showcase!

Each time a child finishes a book, they can write its name on one of the blank spines. Kids love taking ownership of their reading progress, and this bookshelf illustration empowers them to do just that.

It’s a creative and engaging way to document their reading journey visually. As a teacher, you get a snapshot of their accomplishments, and the kids get a tangible reminder of their growing reading list. It’s a win-win for everyone!

James Clements is an independent English adviser. Read more of his thoughts on reading diaries.