How To Create S.M.A.R.T. Summer Reading Goals With Your Child

Written by Abena Sey

July 9, 2021

The two months of summer break is valuable time not only for your child to rest and recharge after a hectic school year, but also to enjoy reading at a relaxed and self-directed pace.  If you are looking for ways to encourage your child to read during the summer, I highly recommend creating S.M.A.R.T. Reading Goals with your child.  Reading goals that are specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and time-bound will set your child up for success in summer reading.  Here’s how to get started.

1 - Set A Specific Reading Goal 

Start by setting a specific reading goal with your child.  This could be a goal based on reading more consistently over the summer, or a goal related to the types of books that will be read.  The idea is to be very specific about the goal your child wants to work towards.  If goals are not specific, it makes it challenging for your child to know what they are working towards and attain success.  Be specific about the reading goal for the summer.

2 - Ensure That The Reading Goal is Measurable

In order to track their progress, your child’s goal must be measurable.  When setting the reading goal, you can choose to set the number of pages read, the number of minutes read, or the number of books completed in the summer.  When your child can measure their progress, it helps them become more accountable.

3 - The Reading Goal Must Be Action-Oriented 

Now that you and your child have specified the reading goal and decided how you will measure progress, it is time to set a plan of action for how to work towards it.  To set a plan of action, decide on the following: What time of day will reading happen?  Where will reading take place?  What type of books will be read and where can they be accessed?  Are you reading as a family?  Will everyone read their own books?  Are you reading to your child, or are you reading together?  Once you have a plan of action, it makes it so much easier to get started.  Decide how you will track your child’s progress. You can use a visual display to log the data.  Tracking progress will keep your child motivated during the process.  

4 - Set Realistic Expectations For Your Child’s Reading Goal

You want to ensure that the reading goal you decide on and your plan of action are within your child’s reach.  If they are a reluctant reader, you will want to set a small goal for your child so that they can feel motivated in the process.  You do not want to create an overwhelming situation for your child.  You also do not want to create a goal that is too easy.  If your child is an avid reader, then you can aim to create a goal with a little bit of a challenge.  Rather than choosing a goal based on the number of books read, you can set a goal based on choosing literature that your avid reader normally doesn’t read.  You may also choose a challenge based on the complexity of the read.  Whatever goal you set, ensure that it gives your child the correct challenge and motivation to continue towards their goal.  Challenges are fun, so long as they don't lead to an unhealthy amount of frustration and overwhelm.  Remember that you can always readjust the goal if it is not working for your child.

5 - Ensure The Reading Goal Is Time-Bound

Set an end date for the goal, and when that day comes, take some time to reflect with your child on their experience.  Celebrate your child’s progress, discuss areas that could be improved on if their goal wasn’t met, and decide what you will do going forward.  Ask your child if they would like to set a S.M.A.R.T. Reading Goal for the school year, and follow the above mentioned steps to make it happen.

Creating S.M.A.R.T. Reading Goals is a great way to support your child’s reading progress during the summer and beyond. Decide how you can help your child continue progressing as a reader during the school year using these goal-setting strategies.