Help children reflect on how reading makes them feel and build healthy, balanced reading habits with our My read what I need List activity sheet.
This fun, flexible resource encourages children to notice their moods and match them with the kind of reading that supports, inspires, or comforts them. Whether they’re feeling low on energy, curious to learn, or in need of a comfort read, the activity helps them find the right book for the moment.
How it works
The downloadable sheet guides children through:
- Getting ready to read – short tips to focus the mind and body before settling down with a book.
- Reading socially – prompts to talk about books with friends, recommend favourites, or join a book club.
- Setting personal goals – space for children to write down what they want to achieve with their reading.
- Creating a personalised reading list – a table where children can sort books into categories such as:
- Low energy
- Open to learning
- Want to read
- Comfort reading
There’s also room for children to create their own categories, helping them to take ownership of their reading choices.
Why use this activity?
- Encourages children to think about how reading can meet their needs in different moments.
- Supports independence and self-awareness in book choices.
- Makes reading for fun part of children’s everyday wellbeing toolkit.