How a Reading Journal Can Affect a Reluctant Reader’s Approach to the New School Year

The new school year often feels like a fresh start and a chance for new beginnings. For parents of reluctant readers, this can be a wonderful opportunity to introduce a reading journal as a supportive tool.

A reading journal can gently encourage reluctant readers by making their reading experience more engaging and enjoyable. It helps them track their progress in a manageable way, turning reading into a more interactive and rewarding activity.

The benefits:

• Increases Engagement - Allowing your reluctant reader to choose the journal format and design can make keeping a journal more appealing. While at the same time giving them a sense of control over their reading experience.

• Enhances Comprehension - Templates and prompts can help readers think critically about what they read. Keeping notes of their reading and thoughts can also encourage active engagement and increase literacy skills of your reluctant reader.

• Builds Confidence - Seeing a list of completed books and journal entries can gently highlight the progress a reluctant reader is making. Celebrating small reading goals and receiving positive feedback can help build their confidence and encourage a love for reading.

• Improves Vocabulary and Writing Skills – When completing their journal, writing new words and discussing their meanings will help reinforce learning. As reluctant readers reflect on what they have read, and fill in their journal, their writing skills will improve, and they will learn to articulate their thoughts more clearly.

• Fosters a Positive Reading Habit - Regular journaling creates a routine, making reading a habitual part of your reluctant reader’s day or week. Parents, carers and teachers can feed positive reinforcement, and keep reluctant readers motivated.

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Creating a Reading Journal

Ensuring your reluctant reader is involved in creating their own reading journal can result in them feeling more involved and motivated in their reading journey.

 Choosing the right journaling format for your reluctant reader is crucial. Select a format your child prefers: physical notebook, binder, or digital journal. Ensuring it’s a format they enjoy will help encourage consistent use.

Set Up Basic Sections –

• Book List: Title, author, and date finished.

• Reading Log: Details for each session, including pages read and reflections.

• Vocabulary: New words, definitions, and example sentences.

• Notes and Quotes: Interesting passages or ideas to remember.

Design Entry Templates - Ensure consistency with structured templates. Some examples for your template:

• Date:

• Book Title:

• Author:

• Pages Read:

• Summary: Brief recap of the reading.

• Characters: Notes on main characters.

• Themes: Key themes or messages.

• Reflections: Thoughts, feelings, and connections.

Incorporate Reflective Prompts - Include prompts to guide deeper thinking and comprehension. Example prompts:

• What was the most surprising event in this section? Why?

• How does the main character change throughout the story?

• What would you have done differently if you were in the character's situation?

• How does this book connect to what you are learning in school?

By following these steps, a reading journal can become a valuable tool for tracking progress, enhancing comprehension, and fostering a love for reading throughout the new school year.

Call to Action

This week’s call to action is to create a reading journal that will inspire your reluctant reader. Allow them to guide you on the format, and how they choose to decorate or create their journal. Ensure to include the sections that are manageable for your reluctant reader.

The age or reluctance of your reluctant reader will determine how much of the journal they are able to complete themselves. Can they write or type their answers themselves, or will they need your help? Would it be more realistic for them to draw their thoughts on the characters rather than write about them?

Remember, the trick to the journal is to ensure it doesn’t feel like homework or a literacy chore. It’s okay for them to draw their thoughts.

Helping them to fill in their journal is not a setback, either. Remember the goal is for them to read and read regularly. So set manageable goals and if you have had a successful reading session, it’s still a win if your reluctant reader recites their answers for you to complete the journal or they draws their thoughts. Their imaginations are still being engaged.

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