National Book Month: Tracking Books Through a Reading Log
October is National Book Month, and there’s no better time than fall to cozy up with a good story. But not every student is naturally drawn to books. With the right tools, educators can help encourage a love for reading in every learner. One simple, effective way to do that is to provide a reading log. At School Datebooks, many of our planners include built-in reading logs because tracking can help students build stronger skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of getting lost in a great book.
Recent Stats That Show Reading Really Matters
- As of 2024, about 31% of U.S. fourth graders scored at or above the NAEP Proficient level in reading.
- Around 40% of fourth graders scored below the Basic level in reading in 2024, the highest such %age in NAEP’s history.
- Reading for pleasure is declining: daily reading for fun among Americans dropped from about 28% in 2003 to 16% in 2023.
- For younger kids, among 6‑to‑8‑year‑olds, about 70% report enjoying reading; by ages 12‑17, that drops to roughly 46%.
These numbers tell us what many educators already know. Without support, reading achievement and enjoyment can slip. But there’s good news! Reading logs are a practical way to help reverse these trends.
How Reading Logs Help
A reading log can:
- Help kids set small reading goals (daily or weekly), which boosts motivation
- Let them see real progress, like pages turned, minutes read, books completed
- Build consistency, which strengthens reading skills and fluency
- Turn reading into a habit, not something only done when assigned
Planners with Reading Logs in Our Collection
These School Datebooks planners include full reading log features, like spaces for book title, pages or minutes read, and initials, so students can easily track what they read.
- Engage (Primary)
- Character Counts® (Primary)
- My Healthy Year (Primary)
- Primary Block
- Esteem Primary Block
- Foundations Primary Block
- Create (Elementary)
- Imagine (Elementary)
- Character Counts® (Elementary)
- Innovate (Elementary)
- Elementary Matrix
- Esteem Elementary Matrix
- Foundations Elementary Matrix
- Bilingual Elementary Matrix
Simple Ways to Make Reading Logs Work
To get the most out of reading logs, start by setting a clear and achievable goal, such as reading for 15 minutes each day or finishing one book per week. Encourage students to log their reading right away, jotting down minutes or pages read along with the book title so nothing gets forgotten. Celebrating progress is important, too. Even small wins can help with motivation. That could mean a quick shout-out, a sticker, or a classroom display of finished books. And don’t forget to talk about the reading itself. Ask students what surprised them, what they enjoyed, or what they learned. These conversations help turn reading from a task into something personal and meaningful.
You Can Make a Difference
Reading is one of the most powerful skills we give our students. It builds critical thinking skills, vocabulary, and even empathy. Reading logs, along with encouragement from parents and teachers, can help make students readers for life.
Bring reading logs into your classroom today.
School Datebooks planners are built to support your literacy goals with space to track, reflect, and grow.
Started in 1985, School Datebooks is the flagship company under the SDI Innovations umbrella. Learn more about what we do through our socials, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
