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:

1. “What are you noticing about your reading this week?”

Listen without correcting or interpreting. Let them share their perspective.

2. “Is the tracking helping you feel proud, or does it feel like pressure?”

Watch their body language and tone. Are they excited? Anxious? Neutral?

3. “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.