Superstar Reading Log

Posted on August 24, 2025

Dear  Families,

We hope this letter finds you well.  We are writing to you today about a simple, yet powerful, habit that can make a huge difference in your child’s life:  reading together every night.  We believe that consistent reading is one of the most powerful tools for your child’s success, and that shared time can also create a special bond and instill a lifelong love of learning.

To help encourage and monitor this essential habit, we are moving from a paper-based system to a new digital reading log.

This school year, all WSQ students and families will complete the Superstar Reading Log online via this link: https://forms.gle/jAx5G8bnpGbcmfJHA.

This log is to be completed every night for each student, as it is a homework assignment from all of your child’s teachers.  This simple, nightly routine of reading is a fundamental part of our homework program, designed to build strong literacy skills that will benefit your child throughout their academic career and beyond.  If your child is reading a chapter book in one night, it’s expected that the book won’t be finished in one night.  Please note the pages or chapters th read in the comments section.  We also encourage students to read the same book over several nights as this helps build reading fluency.  Reading fluency is the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression.  A fluent reader doesn’t have to spend a lot of time trying to sound out words, which allows them to focus on what the text means.  This is great practice for our developing readers!

The Power of Nightly Reading

Beyond the academic benefits, a few minutes spent reading together each night can be an incredibly special time.  This shared experience creates a positive association with books and learning, and it strengthens the bond between you and your child.  By showing them how much you value reading, you’re helping to instill a lifelong love of learning.

Reading for just 15-20 minutes a day has a remarkable impact.  Here are just a few of the benefits:

  • Improved Vocabulary:  Students are exposed to new words and ideas, which naturally expands their vocabulary and comprehension.
  • Stronger Critical Thinking Skills:  Engaging with different stories and topics teaches students to analyze information, make connections, and think critically.
  • Enhanced Imagination and Creativity:  Reading transports students to new worlds and introduces them to diverse characters and concepts, sparking their imagination.
  • A Foundation for All Learning:  Reading is the gateway to every other subject. Strong readers are more successful in science, math, history, and more.

The data we collect from the Superstar Reading Log will be shared monthly with all stakeholders at Site Council and PTO meetings, Family Updates, and staff meetings.  This will allow us to celebrate our students’ collective progress and identify areas where we can offer additional support.

Thank you for your partnership in your child’s education.  Your support at home is valuable to their success.  If you have any questions about the new reading log, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

The Walnut Square School Staff

 

Building the Habit of Reading Every Night:  Ideas and Tips for Families

Encouraging a nightly reading routine at home can be a wonderful way to foster a love of reading and create meaningful family connections.  Here are some ideas for families to complete nightly reading:

Creating a Reading-Friendly Environment and Routine

  • Establish a “Reading Nook”:  Designate a special, cozy space for reading. This could be a corner of the living room with comfortable cushions, a special chair, or even a tent. Make it a place that feels inviting and separate from distractions.
  • Set a Regular Time:  Make reading a non-negotiable part of the daily routine. Bedtime is a classic choice, but you could also read together after dinner, first thing in the morning, or immediately after school.
  • Make it a Habit, Not a Chore:  Frame nightly reading as a special, shared activity rather than a school assignment.  Keep the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable.

 

Interactive and Engaging Reading Ideas and Resources

  • Read Aloud:  This is a classic for a reason.  Reading aloud exposes children to new vocabulary and more complex sentence structures.  Use different voices for characters, make sound effects, and bring the story to life.
  • Take Turns Reading:  As children get older and more confident, take turns reading pages or chapters.  This helps them practice their reading skills while still sharing the experience with you.
  • Start a Family Book Club:  Choose a book that everyone can read, either together or independently.  Then, set aside time to discuss the book, including your favorite characters, what you think will happen next, and how the story makes you feel.
  • Connect Reading to Other Activities:  If you’re reading a book about animals, plan a trip to the zoo.  If you’re reading about a certain period of history, watch a related documentary.  This helps children see how reading connects to the real world.
  • Involve Everyone in the Process:  Let children choose the books.  This gives them a sense of ownership and makes them more invested in the activity.
  • Reading at Home Resources

Broadening the Concept of Reading

  • Read More than Just Books:  Reading can include a variety of materials.  Read recipes while cooking together, signs while on a walk, or even the back of a cereal box at breakfast.  Show your children that reading is all around us.
  • Listen to Audiobooks:  Audiobooks are a great alternative, especially for reluctant readers or on car rides.  They can introduce children to stories they might not be ready to read on their own and can be a fun family activity.
  • Model Reading:  Let your children see you reading for pleasure, whether it’s a newspaper, a magazine, or a novel.  When they see you enjoying reading, they are more likely to see it as a valuable and enjoyable activity.

In addition to the wonderful ideas for nightly reading routines, the Haverhill Public Library is an incredible local resource that can significantly enhance your family’s reading experience.

The Haverhill Public Library: A Local Treasure

  • Visit the Kids Department:  The Kids Department at the Haverhill Public Library is a vibrant and welcoming space on the second floor.  They offer an extensive collection of books, including board books, picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction titles.  You’ll also find DVDs and audiobooks.  The staff is always happy to help you find the perfect book for your child’s age and interests.
  • Explore the Parent-Teacher Collection: The library also has a special collection for parents and caregivers with resources on a wide range of topics, including early literacy.  They offer “kits” which may include books, CDs, or games to support learning.  You can also ask a librarian about their “REXommendations” program, where staff will select personalized book recommendations for your child.
  • Join a Program:  The Haverhill Public Library’s Kids Department is a fantastic resource for children in grades K-3, with a variety of engaging events and programs designed to foster a love of reading and learning.  While the library’s calendar changes regularly, here’s a look at the types of events they typically offer for this age group:
    • Reading with Therapy Dogs:  This is a wonderful program for children who are developing their reading skills.  Kids can sign up for a special session to read aloud to a calm, friendly, and non-judgmental therapy dog.  This low-pressure environment helps to build confidence and fluency.
    • LEGO Link-Up:  For kids who love to build, this is a perfect event.  The library provides a huge collection of LEGOs, and kids can let their creativity run wild, either on their own or with other builders.  This activity promotes problem-solving, collaboration, and following instructions (or not!).
    • Storytime Events:  While many storytimes are geared toward younger children, the library often hosts storytimes for a wider age range, including family storytimes and special story times with visiting authors or performers.  These are a great way to introduce your child to new books and authors in an interactive setting.
    • Creative Workshops & Crafternoons: The library frequently schedules hands-on events where children can create and explore. This might include art studios with different mediums, making nature journals, or specific craft projects tied to a book or a holiday. These events connect creativity with literacy.
    • Homework Help:  The library often offers free homework help sessions with teen volunteers.  This is a fantastic resource for students in grades 3 and up who need a little extra support with their reading or other subjects.

By combining a loving, reading-rich environment at home with the fantastic resources and engaging programs at the Haverhill Public Library, you can inspire a lifelong love of reading in your children.