📚 Design a DIY Summer Reading Tracker with Your Child

Hey book-loving friend! ☀️

Looking for a fun, creative way to keep your child reading this summer without the usual nagging or screen-time battles? I’ve got you covered!

A DIY summer reading tracker is a magical blend of motivation + memory-keeping. It helps kids stay excited about reading while also giving you a sweet way to document their progress (and those favorite stories they'll remember forever!).

In today’s post, I’ll walk you through how to create one together—using simple tools like Canva, printables, and your child’s imagination. Ready to mix fun and literacy this summer? Let’s turn reading into an adventure they’ll want to track!

🌞 Why a Reading Tracker Works So Well

We know reading is important—but kids need more than reminders. They need:

• A goal to work toward

• A visual way to see their progress

• A sense of ownership over their summer learning

• Rewards and celebrations for every step!

A reading tracker does all that and more. Plus, designing one together builds excitement and makes it feel like their project—not just a task on your to-do list.

✏️ Step 1: Choose the Type of Tracker You Want to Make

There are so many fun styles to choose from! You can go simple or get super creative depending on your child’s age and interests.

Here are a few ideas:

• Reading Bingo: Fill in a square for each different book type (poetry, graphic novel, a book with a blue cover…)

• Bookworm Tracker: Add a new “segment” to the worm for every book read

• Color-in Shelves: Draw or print a bookshelf and color in a book spine for each story

• Goal Chart: Set a reading goal (like 10 books in July) and track progress with stars or stickers

• Printable Canva Journal: Add pages for title, author, rating, and favorite character with space for drawings!

🖍 Step 2: Create It Together in Canva or on Paper

Sit down with your child and let them help design the layout! Involve them in decisions like:

• What colors or theme they want (beachy, space, jungle, princess, etc.)

• How they want to track (drawing, stickers, coloring)

• What rewards they’d love to earn after reaching reading milestones

If using Canva, open a blank design or use a reading log template. Add cute graphics, custom fonts, and plenty of space for them to color or write.

If going paper-only, print a tracker or hand-draw one together with markers and fun stickers.

💡 Bonus: Create a matching bookmark to go along with the tracker!

📚 Step 3: Set a Reading Goal + Reward

Now that your tracker is ready, help your child set a goal. This can be:

• Number of books

• Minutes per day/week

• Pages per day

• Or even chapters per week!

Then set a reward that they are excited about:

• A trip to the library or bookstore

• A popsicle party

• New stickers or journaling supplies

• A family movie night featuring a book-to-movie story 🎬

Rewards don’t have to be huge—just meaningful!

🖼 Step 4: Display the Tracker Proudly

Hang the tracker in a visible spot: the fridge, their bedroom door, or even the homeschool station. Seeing their progress daily will keep them motivated!

You can also:

• Snap a picture every time they finish a book

• Write down favorite quotes or funny moments

• Create a scrapbook page at the end of summer to remember their reading adventure

💌 Want Free Reading Printables + Summer Activity Ideas?

If you're loving this, you're going to love my newsletter! I send out:

• Free reading logs and printable trackers

• Canva tutorials for fun, family-friendly projects

• Seasonal ideas for scrapbooking, journaling, and more

• First access to new shop releases + special discounts

👉 Click here to join the list! Let’s make summer creative, joyful, and memory-filled together!

🛍 Shop Summer Printables for Kids & Parents

Need an adorable head start? I’ve got just what you need! Visit A Rea of Treasures on Etsy for:

• Reading trackers + book journals

• Printable bookmarks and goal charts

• Fun activity sheets and summer challenges

• Canva templates you can edit and print instantly!

Everything’s designed with love to help you create magical moments with your kiddos. ✨

☀️ Final Thoughts

Reading can be a joyful summer tradition—not a chore. By creating a tracker together, you’re building not just a habit, but a memory. One book, one page, one “I read that!” smile at a time.

So go ahead—open Canva, grab your markers, or print out a tracker from the shop. Make it colorful, fun, and uniquely theirs.

And when you finish your summer reading tracker? Tag me! I’d love to see what you create and cheer your little reader on! 📚💛