Reading log printable
A free reading log with your child’s name on it. Pick a weekly log for minutes or pages, or a book list with star ratings, and download a PDF ready to print — no sign-up.
Two layouts
Weekly reading log — a row for each day, Monday to Sunday, with space for what they read, the minutes or pages, and a grown-up’s initials, plus a weekly total. It’s the layout most schools ask for.
Book list — fifteen numbered rows for book titles and the date each was finished, with five stars to colour in for a rating. Good for readers who get through whole books and like seeing the list grow.
Making reading a habit
- Tie it to something that already happens every day — bedtime is the easiest anchor.
- Let them choose the book, even if it’s the same one for the fifth night running.
- Count reading together. Being read to builds the vocabulary that makes reading alone easier later.
- Keep the log light: a tick and some colour, not a report.
Not sure a book is the right level? Paste a page into the reading level checker. For a bigger goal with a reward at the end, try the reward chart maker, and if story time is a wriggly affair, here’s how to read aloud to a child who won’t sit still.
Frequently asked questions
What is a reading log?
A simple record of what a child reads — the book, how long or how many pages, and often a grown-up’s initials. Many schools send one home each week, and plenty of families keep one just to build the habit.
How long should my child read each day?
There’s no single rule. Many primary schools suggest around 10 to 20 minutes a day for younger children, building up as they grow. A short, regular habit counts for more than the occasional long session.
Does reading aloud together count?
Usually, yes — check with your child’s teacher, but most count shared reading and being read to, especially in the early years. Listening to stories builds vocabulary and understanding long before a child can read the words themselves.
Weekly log or book list — which should I choose?
The weekly log suits building a daily habit and matches what most schools ask for. The book list suits confident readers who finish whole books, and the star ratings give them a reason to reflect on each one.
How do I stop the log becoming a chore?
Let your child fill it in and colour the stars, keep it somewhere visible, and never use it as a punishment. Celebrate a full week rather than a big number — and if it stops helping, stop using it.