Include the written directions at the top of the reading log or on a separate sheet. Make sure your rules are easy to understand and that you have discussed them with your students prior to giving out the log. Communicate with your fifth graders about the benefits of a reading log and how to fill it out correctly.
Ensure that the reading log will help you with your instructional goals and that it is not just busy work. For instance, in a fifth grade language arts class, you might be introducing your students to the literary element "character." Have a question on the log that asks about character. Periodically amend your reading log and its purpose so that it continually is used as an instructional tool.
Establish clear guidelines of the reading log. Students are to read for 25 to 30 minutes at home and fill in the chart. Students must include the first and last name of the author, the title of the text, the page numbers and their reactions to the reading. Have students indicate whether this was leisure reading or assigned reading. Instruct your fifth grade students to attain the signature of their parent or guardian after completing an entry in the reading log.
Tell your students how frequently you plan to pick up the reading logs and when they are due. Explain to your students that when you pick up the log, he should have a set number of signatures and entries. Evaluate the log by the thoroughness with which your student filled out the log form and by the clarity of their responses. Tell students what you are looking for in their responses.
To demonstrate to your students how you want the log filled out, include a sample entry as a part of your guidelines. Demonstrate specific skills that you want your fifth grade students to include as part of their reaction. Consider doing a reading log entry together in class with your students so that if they have any questions, you can provide answers.