Monthly Reading Challenge Templates That’ll Save Teachers So Much Time! (FREE download)

As we begin a new school year, it’s an important time to reflect on what went well last school year and what could use improving. Educators often debate what is appropriate for homework at different age levels, but we can all agree that fostering motivation and responsibility is key. This is why teachers have been ditching daily or weekly reading logs for a monthly reading challenge calendar.

Here are 5 things to know about a monthly reading challenge calendar and a link to a FREE template for the year:

1. You will only need to grade reading homework ONCE A MONTH.

That’s right! Students will hand in their calendar at the end of each month, so you won’t be drowning in reading logs every week. This promotes responsibility as students will have to tend to their homework independently for a month before it’s due. Be sure to give reminders and offer extra copies each week!

2. It can be optional or required.

The expectation is that students are reading a set amount of time at home each night depending on the age of the student. For example, you can consider allowing students to simply read for 15 minutes each night from a book of their choosing and not worry about the calendar challenge, or students could use the calendar to guide their reading throughout each month. Some students need that motivation and push from a challenge while others are happy to read leisurely. Providing choice is wonderful at any age!

3. Ask students to help design the monthly calendar.

Each month should be themed and exciting. For example, October might include items like “Read for 20 minutes in a pile of leaves” or “Read a book to your carved Pumpkin.” Each month, ask your students for ideas they have. This opportunity to hear their voice will motivate them to participate in the monthly challenge.

4. Consider a writing task to reinforce learned skills from the classroom.

On the reverse of your monthly calendar, you can include a few writing prompts for students to choose from and respond to. Each month, change up the prompts to match the skills you’re teaching in class. For example, you can ask about theme or character traits if that’s what you’re working on in school.

5. Celebrate reading success at the end of each month.

It is totally up to you how you want to celebrate the reading calendar, but it’s important to provide positive experiences around reading. One idea is to invite students who handed in the calendar to eat lunch with you and talk about what they’ve read. You could also create bookmarks or re-design book covers together at the end of each month. It’s important to also consider celebrating those who started the calendar, but maybe didn’t finish every single challenge.

You don’t have to do this alone! Here’s a free template for any teacher who wants to use it. All months are ready to be downloaded and used. Or you can use the Canva link (on the last page) to edit the template to fit the needs of your grade level and students. Simply click “File” > “Make a Copy” and edit.

So, which month are you most excited to plan a reading challenge for?!