Ditch the Reading Log: A Better Way to Support Reading Comprehension at

You assign a reading log. Your child reads for 20 minutes. Then what?

They scribble down a book title. Maybe a page number. Possibly a sentence that says something like, “It was good.” And you’re left wondering… did they actually get anything out of what they read?

If you’ve ever felt like reading logs are more of a checkbox than a tool for growth, you’re not alone.

As a teacher-turned-homeschooling mom, I’ve been on both sides of this. I know how easy it is to fall into the “just get it done” cycle. But the truth is, we want more for our kids than just tracking minutes or writing bland summaries.

We want them to think critically.
To connect with the text.
To actually enjoy reading.

And that’s where the right tools can make all the difference.

Why Traditional Reading Logs Fall Flat

Let’s be honest: most reading logs don’t inspire readers. They feel like paperwork. And for kids who already struggle with reading or writing, it’s just another thing to dread.

Some of the biggest frustrations I’ve heard from other homeschool moms include:

“It feels like busywork, not learning.”
“My child never knows what to write.”
“The questions are too basic (or too hard).”
“It doesn’t help me know what they understood.”
“We forget to do it… and then fill in a week’s worth at once.”

Sound familiar?

Logs often focus on surface-level accountability instead of helping kids engage with the text. And without prompts that dig deeper, students miss the chance to develop the critical thinking skills that real readers use every day.

What Readers Really Need: Structure + Choice

So what works better?

✅ A simple routine
✅ Clear, supportive prompts
✅ Room for student voice and choice
✅ Flexibility to work with any book
✅ Short tasks that don’t feel overwhelming

That’s why I created the Reader’s Notebook: Daily Reading Comprehension Activities for Any Text…to give readers just the right amount of support while keeping their book choices wide open.

This isn’t another “fill in the box” reading log. It’s a 180-day reading response journal packed with thoughtful prompts that help readers think like readers, and writers, as they engage with stories.

It only takes about 15 minutes a day, and it works with any novel, picture book, or nonfiction text your learner is reading independently, with you, or in a small group.

Why It Works for Homeschool Families (and Busy Teachers)

This notebook was designed with reluctant readers and overwhelmed parents in mind. It’s structured but not rigid, consistent but not boring.

Each day includes a targeted reading comprehension skill, like inferring, summarizing, identifying character traits, or making connections, paired with an approachable prompt. There’s space for quick reflection and thoughtful answers, without the pressure of long, formal writing assignments.

Whether you’re doing book clubs, read-alouds, or independent reading time, this journal gives your child (and you!) an easy way to document progress and keep comprehension growing, without printing 100 worksheets or scrambling for last-minute questions.