Activity 5: Mid-Week Progress Check
Purpose: Adjust your approach based on what’s working
Time Required: 5 minutes (Wednesday evening)
What You’ll Need:
- Your tracker (whatever system you’re using)
- 5 minutes alone with your child
Instructions:
Wednesday Evening Ritual:
Halfway through the week, take 2 minutes to review your tracker so far with your child.
Ask:
- “What are you noticing about your reading this week?”
Listen without correcting or interpreting. Let them share their perspective.
- “Is the tracking helping you feel proud, or does it feel like pressure?”
Watch their body language and tone. Are they excited? Anxious? Neutral?
- “Should we keep doing this the same way, or change something?”
Be genuinely open to change.
Based on Their Answers, Adjust:
If they’re excited:
- Keep going exactly as you are
- Maybe add one more behavior to track
If they’re neutral/uncertain:
- Simplify (track fewer behaviors, use simpler system)
- Add something fun (let them pick special stickers)
If they’re resistant:
- Ask: “What would make this better?”
- Consider switching methods
- Take a break for the rest of the week
Parent-Only Reflection:
After your child goes to bed, ask yourself:
- Am I tracking behaviors they control, or outcomes they don’t?
- Am I celebrating effort, or only success?
- Is my tone upbeat and curious, or evaluative?
- Am I tracking for them, or for me?
Why This Matters: The best tracking system evolves based on your child’s feedback. Rigidity kills motivation. Flexibility builds trust.