Free Summer Reading Log for Kids (+ Reading Challenge)
Summer is the best time to read more. It’s also the easiest time to stop reading altogether.
The summer slide is real. Kids can lose months of progress over the summer when reading isn’t part of their routine.
But, it’s easy to fix. A simple summer reading log gives kids a visual goal to work towards and makes reading feel like an accomplishment rather than a chore.
This free summer reading log printable pack has everything you need to keep your kids excited about reading from June through August.
I’ve packed a lot into this one as I’ve added to it over the years using it with my kids.
It’s up to 34 pages. So, let me walk you through what’s included and how to use it.
What’s Included in the Free Summer Reading Log
This free printable pack covers June, July, and August and is designed for preschool through early elementary. Here’s what you get:
- Summer reading goals page: Ready-to-print sheet plus cut-and-paste templates for setting individual reading goals.
- Monthly reading logs for June, July, and August: Kids color a sun every day they read. Simple, visual, and motivating.
- Summer reading challenge chart and book log: 3 options to record the date, title, author, and minutes read (optional).
- Reading minutes game board: For kids working toward a goal of 360 or 720 minutes read, they color in a space every time they read.
- Reading reward coupons: Extra tablet time, extra TV time, movie night, trips to the pool, beach, or park, plus new book, toy, and game options.
- Reading packet cover: Kids can personalize their own summer reading packet.
- Color and blackline: Both versions are included throughout to save ink and add places for kids to color.
That’s a lot of options, but you won’t use every page. We change it up each year. Print what works for your family or classroom and leave the rest.
Why a Summer Reading Log Works
Kids are visual (aren’t we all?). When my kids see their progress, like a row of colored suns filling up across the page, they want to keep going. It’s the same reason sticker charts work. The tracking itself becomes the motivation.
And for teachers sending a summer packet home, a coloring reading log is one of the easiest homework tools you can use. Parents know exactly what’s expected, and kids can manage it independently.
Here’s what teachers say about these reading logs:
- “This was perfect for my first grade classroom last year, and I am excited to use it again! It goes right along with the Book It Program but for the added months of the year that they do not run the program.”
- “This resource is a great supplement for homework activities.”
- “It fit perfectly with my 1st grade curriculum and was super easy to prep and implement. My students enjoyed it, and I saw great participation. I’ll definitely be using it again!”
- “Great visual and easy to track reading.”
- “I love how kid friendly this resource is.”
How to Use the Summer Reading Log
There’s no one right way to use this. Here are a few options depending on your situation.
At Home
Print the June, July, and August reading logs and hang them somewhere visible like the fridge, a bulletin board, or in your child’s room if you read before bed.
Set a daily reading goal (reading for 15 minutes together totally counts) and have your child color in a sun each day they read.
Use the goals page at the start of summer to set a reading goal. You can use the gameboard to track minutes if your child is motivated by that kind of challenge.
The reward coupons are a great incentive and include activities that you probably already do during summer. Print a few and let your child pick which rewards they’re working towards.
As a Summer Reading Challenge
Turn this into a bigger event.
- Kick off the summer with a goal-setting session.
- Fill out the goals page together.
- Pick reward coupons to earn.
- Set up the gameboard.
- Check in weekly to see how everyone’s doing.
I’ve found this works especially well for families with multiple kids. Everyone has their own log and you can cheer each other on. Parents can join in on the fun too!
For Teachers Sending Home Summer Work
Print a summer reading packet for each student before school gets out. The cover page, a goals sheet, and the three monthly logs is a simple, lightweight summer homework packet that parents actually appreciate.
- “This is a great resource for parents to track reading at home.”
- “I put both the coloring page and the book log page together — it works great as a complete reading packet.”
Easy to prep, no explanation needed, and it sends kids into summer with a plan.
For Homeschooling Families
Use the reading log as part of your summer homeschool routine. Even our relaxed summer schedule benefits from some structure around reading. The log keeps it visible and low-pressure.
Pair it with a weekly trip to the library. My kids are more motivated to read when they get to pick out their own books.
Tips for Keeping Kids Reading All Summer
- Start with a goal. Use the goals page to set a realistic target, like number of books, number of minutes, or just “read every day.” My kids are way more motivated to stick to their goals when they make them themselves.
- Make it visible. Hang the reading log somewhere the whole family can see it. Out of sight really does mean out of mind.
- Keep books accessible. A basket of books in your living room, bedroom, or car makes it easy for kids to grab a book without any prompting.
- Use reward coupons strategically. Let your kids pick 2–3 coupons they’re working toward. Having a specific reward in mind makes daily reading more exciting.
- Visit the library. Most libraries run summer reading programs with their own incentives. Stack your reading log on top of the library program for double the motivation (and prizes).
- Read together. Reading aloud definitely counts. You can read books together at bedtime, listen to audiobooks on road trips, and check out magazines together. It all adds up. This strategy really helps my reluctant readers.
Yearlong Reading Logs for the Classroom
The free summer pack covers June through August. But reading obviously doesn’t stop when school starts back up.
If you want to continue using these printable reading logs all year, I have two options in my TPT store.
Monthly Reading Log
This monthly reading log works the same way as the free summer reading log. It’s print and go and you can use it every year.
Kids color a seasonal object for every day they read. Each month has a fun fact, and there are 5 chart options for recording book and reading info.
A great option for teachers and parents who want something they can print and reuse year after year.
Grab the monthly reading log in my TPT store here.
- “LOVE this so much. Great visual and easy to track reading.”
- “I really love how kid friendly this resource is.”
- “It is great for pre-k to track their reading!”
Printable Reading Log Calendar
This yearlong reading log covers July through June for each school year.
Each month features a seasonal coloring object, a monthly fun fact, and optional reading charts where students can record the date, title, author, and minutes read.
It uses a calendar format so students get calendar practice too.
The calendar is updated for free every year on TPT, so once you have it, you’re set. Available in color and blackline and for the whole month or school week.
Check out my best-selling calendar reading logs here.
- “Easy to use and no prep needed. Great resource.”
- “Great tool for me to track my students’ reading for the month!”
- “This is the first year I’ve sent home reading bags and these were perfect for them to keep track with! I can’t wait to keep using them as the year goes on. Thank you!”
Make Reading a Summer Habit
A little structure and planning goes a long way over the summer and this reading log keeps things simple.
Color a sun. Track your books. Work toward a goal.
Kids who read consistently over summer come back to school ahead, and more importantly, they come back actually enjoying books (or at least that’s been my experience).
Grab the free summer pack below and get started.
Happy reading! 📚
