Reading logs have long been a tool for tracking student reading habits, but the traditional paper version can feel outdated and difficult to manage. Fortunately, with the help of free online tools, teachers and parents can streamline the process. One of the best solutions is to create a Google Forms Reading Log Template that’s easy to use, accessible from anywhere, and automatically collects responses for easy review.

At our school, we adopted a variety of great online reading programs during the pandemic. We use IXL.com to ensure students are covering standards in all subject areas. My daughter completes 2–4 IXL skills daily, even on weekends. Our classrooms also use Raz-Kids, Accelerated Reader, and GetEpic.com to provide students with a wide range of leveled reading options.

Because of these tools, I no longer ask parents to fill out reading logs for my class. However, I understand that many educators still find reading logs essential for building daily habits and involving families in a student’s literacy journey. That’s why I created a video tutorial showing how to set up a digital reading log using Google Forms. The steps are simple, and the final product is practical and easy to maintain.

Why Use a Google Forms Reading Log Template?

Paper logs can get lost, forgotten, or illegible. With a Google Forms Reading Log Template, you eliminate those problems. Here are a few reasons to switch:

• Easy Access: Students and parents can fill it out from any device with an internet connection.
• Real-Time Collection: Data is collected instantly into a Google Sheet for teacher review.
• Time-Saving: No more deciphering handwriting or chasing missing logs.
• Customization: You can adjust fields depending on grade level or assignment type.

Whether you’re teaching in-person or online, a digital log keeps students accountable and gives teachers insights into reading habits.

How to Set Up Your Google Forms Reading Log Template

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to create a simple and effective log. Follow these steps to build your template from scratch:

1. Go to Google Forms and sign in with your Google account.
2. Click the blank form to start a new project and name it something like “Weekly Reading Log.”
3. Add the following fields:
   • Student Name (Short Answer)
   • Book Title (Short Answer)
   • Author (Short Answer)
   • Pages Read (Short Answer or Number)
   • Date (Date picker)
   • Optional: Summary or Thoughts (Paragraph)
4. Make required questions mandatory using the toggle next to each field.
5. Customize your form’s theme to match your class or school colors.
6. Click the settings gear in the top right, then:
   • Under “Responses,” turn on “Collect email addresses” if needed.
   • Limit responses to one per day if appropriate for your class policy.
7. Click “Send” and choose the link icon to share the form with students and parents.

This Google Forms Reading Log Template can be completed by students independently or with a parent’s help depending on age. You can reuse the same form weekly or create different ones by copying your base template.

How to Track Responses Automatically

Once your form is live, click the “Responses” tab and select the Google Sheets icon to create a spreadsheet. This will serve as your digital reading log dashboard.

Now, every submission will automatically populate the spreadsheet. You can filter by student, sort by date, or review summaries to monitor reading patterns. For teachers handling multiple classes, duplicate your Google Forms Reading Log Template and adjust the names or fields accordingly.

Best Practices for Using a Digital Reading Log

If you’re new to using Google Forms, here are a few tips that will make the process even smoother:

• Set Reminders: Use Google Calendar or your LMS to remind students to submit logs.
• Review Weekly: Set aside a few minutes each week to look through responses and provide feedback.
• Share Progress: Use the Sheets data to update parents on reading frequency or recommend new books.
• Use It for Conferences: Show students’ logs during parent-teacher meetings to highlight growth or gaps.

Why I No Longer Require Reading Logs

Though I used to rely on weekly reading logs, my teaching has shifted. Now that my class uses Raz-Kids, Accelerated Reader, and Epic, I can see reading activity directly in those platforms. I also find that programs like IXL give students structured and measurable literacy tasks each evening.

However, not every class or school has access to paid subscriptions. A Google Forms Reading Log Template provides a no-cost way to maintain reading accountability, especially in districts where resources are limited. It’s a reliable alternative that keeps parents engaged and gives students a sense of ownership over their reading time.

Video Tutorial

I created a video walkthrough back in 2017 showing how to make this exact kind of form. While some of Google’s interface has evolved slightly, the overall steps remain the same. Teachers who follow the video will still be able to build their own Google Forms Reading Log Template quickly.

Watch the video embedded below or visit our YouTube channel for more tech tips for teachers.

Conclusion

Creating a Google Forms Reading Log Template is a smart way to blend technology with literacy instruction. It removes the hassle of paper tracking, provides meaningful data, and promotes consistent reading habits. Whether you’re teaching in a traditional classroom or remotely, digital logs can help keep students accountable in an efficient and modern way.

For teachers who are looking to make the shift, setting up a log is as simple as opening Google Forms and following a few quick steps. Try it out and see how it changes the way you track reading in your classroom.

Have questions or want to share your version of a reading log? Leave a comment or tag us with your custom template—we’d love to see how you make it work for your students.