Time to read! is a practical resource designed for teachers and parents to help children build a daily reading habit in short, manageable sessions. The resource includes a weekly time tracker and a craft clock that allows children to record the minutes they spend reading each day. Adults can support children in using the tracker to monitor progress and maintain consistent reading routines.
Why it works
This resource encourages children to dedicate a small, achievable amount of time to reading every day. Regular short reading sessions help build confidence, engagement, and stamina. In addition, the visual tracking system provides adults with insight into children’s reading patterns, making it easier to celebrate progress and identify areas where additional support may be helpful.
How to use it
To use Time to read!, adults can print the clock and time tracker on paper or card. Children cut out both pieces and assemble them following the step-by-step instructions:
- Cut along the dashed lines to separate the clock and time tracker.
- On the large clock, cut a slit down the centre dotted line. An adult may need to assist with this step.
- On the time tracker, cut along the centre dashed line to create a slit for the arrow.
- Poke a small hole through the blue circle on both clock pieces.
- Place the time tracker behind the large clock and secure them together with a split pin.
- Feed the left side of the time tracker through the slit so the arrow can rotate around the clock.
- Each time a child reads, they move the tracker to record minutes read. At the end of the week, the tracker can be reset to begin again.
Also, adults can encourage children to use the tracker consistently and reflect on their reading habits at the end of the week. This discussion can help children recognise progress and set goals for the following week.
Get started
- Print and assemble the clock and time tracker together.
- Demonstrate how to move the tracker each time the child reads.
- Display the completed tracker in a visible place to reinforce the routine.
Share and celebrate
Adults can celebrate milestones such as completing a week’s tracker or achieving a personal reading goal. In addition, discussing patterns observed in the tracker can support meaningful reading conversations and help plan next steps to maintain engagement.
Further Pawprint resources
This activity is one of several Pawprint resources that support reading for fun. Using the set together can help families, schools and groups build positive daily reading habits. The full set includes: