17+ Free Reading Log Templates for Kids, Middle School and Adults

It can be frustrating to realize that you do not remember that much about a great book you just read. But that is normal as our brains process so much information, book contents can get pushed aside.

To help you remember the plot and other key elements, you can start writing a reading log. These logs are easy to do and will help you remember what you read a lot better. How to keep a reading log is coming right up.

Reading Log Templates

Why Should You Keep a Reading Log?

The most important reason you keep a reading log is to record the books you have read and help your mind recall key points made in the content. If you are an avid reader, the reading log helps you keep different plots, themes, and topics straight instead of confusing one book’s subject with another book.

Other reasons include:

• Helps you remember how many pages you have read in one book
• Give you a record of your own thoughts or impressions on a topic
• Reminds you what stories or subjects you like
• Provides you with an academic resource when you need one
• Gives you a guide to help you improve as a writer

How to Write a Reading Log

The style and design of the log are up to you. You can have a plain Jane-type log that just records mundane information like page counts, author’s name, titles, and so on. Or you can be a bit more elaborate so that your reading log includes a lot more useful information.

• Buy the journal or diary that has the style you want to use or make your own
• Be an avid reader. Logs only work if you have information to record on their pages
• Write the book’s biographical information- author name, title, publisher & publication date
• Record the dates you read or are reading the book
• Add in the page numbers to help you locate those important passages you want to remember or use
• Think about the content and if there is room to record those thoughts in your log. Make a list of favorite concepts, themes, and so on

What can I use instead of reading log?

There are different alternatives you can use. All of which depends on how technologically savvy you are. Using your computer will help you record your log easier if you do not like to be old-fashioned and handwrite everything.

The first option would be using an app called Booksnaps. This is where you take a photo and place it on one of the many social media outlets. Once that is done, you can write a blurb about it.

A second alternative would be to write your own book blog. Many people have websites where they review a book they have just read. This way, you can publicly share your information and thoughts with whoever wants to read your blog.

Then the third alternative would be to create a Vlog which is only different from a book blog by the fact you may be onscreen all the time. Fourth, you can do a PCI record which records a passage you consider powerful, talk about how you connected to it, and then draw an illustration that will represent the book

Fifth, you can save some time and just look for five quotes that represent the book’s content or the author’s message.

What is a student reading log?

A student reading log is a record of all the books your teacher has assigned to you to read. It includes title, author’s name, the dates you read it, how many pages each day you read it, key themes and descriptions of main characters and plots as well as any questions you may have.

This log should be divided up into appropriate categories and you can do that yourself or use a handy template already created and placed online. This log will hold all the academic information your teacher wants you to have and remember.

Plus, it should contain key passages that stood out to you as you read. Also, make personal observations about the book, plot, key characters, and so on. Remember this is academic work that should help your grades and improve your study habits.

How many minutes should students read each day?

There is no real set time frame, although there are different recommendations for different age levels. For young learners, kindergarten, and the first few elementary grades., the starting point should be 5 minutes per day.

After a short while, this time frame should be expanded to 20 minutes per day. That seems to be the standard for many experts for all age levels. Those that read 20 minutes a day scored better on reading tests than those who only read about 5 minutes per day. Adults can boost that level to 30 minutes a day minimum.

Keeping a book log or reading log is vital if you are serious about reading. When you are an avid reader, it pays to have a reading log to help you remember where you read something important. These logs make finding those passages easier and save you a lot of time.

It will take some patience and discipline to create and maintain a log but, in the end, the information you record could be invaluable at a later date. That date may be longer than your memory can retain the information.

Create your own log to make remembering a lot easier.