7 Ways to Make a Children’s Personal Reading Challenge Stick

The Story That Started It All

My daughter wanted to move up a reading level. She was ready for a “real” chapter book, and chose a 50-story compilation! After a few days, her excitement faded. The book sat untouched on her bedside table. That’s when we decided to create a personal reading challenge.

Unlike generic online challenges, this one was built by my daughter, for my daughter. And because of that, it was far more engaging.

As a teacher, I’ve seen how a personal reading challenge can work wonders. And not just to increase how much students read, but how much they want to read. At home, I’ve used the same strategies with my own children.

My daughter decided: Fifty stories, one chart, small rewards. She picked up the book again in no time. 

If your child wants to read more but struggles to stay motivated, or if you’re too busy to keep pushing every night, this post can help.

I’ll show you 7 simple strategies that: 

• Build a reading habit without pressure 
• Strengthen your child’s ability to finish what they start
• Create bonding moments between you and your child
• Give your child the tools to track their own progress

But if you don’t have time to create your own personal reading challenge tracker, there’s a free printable at the end of this post to help you get started tonight. Just add the books and rewards your child chooses, it’s that simple.

Let me show you how it can work. 

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7 Ways to Make a Personal Reading Challenge Stick

Kids lose motivation fast, but they bounce back just as quickly. One day they refuse to read, the next they’re begging to finish a story. 

That’s why a well-designed reading challenge works. It turns those bursts of interest into a lasting habit.

1. Let Your Child Take the Lead

Kids learn best when they lead themselves, so allow them to take control. 

• Let them choose the books, set the number of stories, and name the challenge.
• Help them choose a reading level that’s challenging but doable. Something that stretches their skills without causing frustration.
• Encourage them to set milestones and pick rewards. 
• Let your child create a cosy reading spot that makes books irresistible. These 5 easy ideas can help.

When your child owns the challenge, it becomes a source of pride, not pressure. It’s a small part of life where they get to feel in charge. 

2. Make It Personal and Playful

We called ours Kiara’s Reading Challenge! Simple, but seeing her name in big, bold letters at the top of the tracker gave her a real sense of ownership.

The tracker became a work of art. She coloured it, added stickers, and even drew out the rewards she’d chosen.

The celebrations for each milestone were completely her idea. Here’s what she picked:

• 20 stories: Colourful ice cream at her favourite cafe
• 30 stories: A new drinking bottle
• 40 stories: A paint-by-numbers kit 
• 50 stories: A trip to the cinema with a friend (and another visit to the book store!)

These personal touches made the challenge feel like hers, and that made all the difference.

3. Start Small and Build Momentum

If your child is jumping to a harder reading level, expect a slow start. One story every day or two is a good rhythm that gives them space to grow. The goal isn’t to race toward the next reward, but to enjoy the stories and build confidence as they go. 

When we noticed some stories in her new book were too hard, I didn’t step back, I stepped in. I read a paragraph, she’d try the next. 

She stumbled at first, but each page came more easily. Her voice grew stronger every night. And her confidence didn’t just return, it expanded. 

Reading together doesn’t mean taking over, it means supporting them. Start by helping with tricky sections. As they grow more capable, take a step back. Then another. Little by little, you’ll see them take the lead.

Need ideas for what to do while reading together? Add these quick activities to your personal reading challenge to help your child understand the story.

Those small moments–smoother reading, longer focus, growing curiosity–will start to add up. By the end of the challenge, you might find yourself sitting next to a reader you barely recognise. 

4. Make Progress Visible (and Satisfying)

To build a habit, your child needs to see their progress every day. 

• We put the tracker next to her bed. Easy to spot at wake-up and bedtime. 
• A pencil was close by so she could cross off each story right away. 
• Crossing off stories became a satisfying habit itself. 

Stickers work just as well, and they’re often more fun. I’ve also tried digital tracking apps on my phone, but they’re just not the same. Kids want something they can see and touch. 

No time to make your own tracker? Grab the free printable version below and get started tonight.

5. Be Part of the Journey (Not the Boss of It)

A personal reading challenge isn’t just for your child. It works best when you’re part of it too. 

Sometimes that means listening while they read. Other times, it’s helping through tricky pages or taking over when they’re too tired to keep going.

Being involved turns reading from a chore into a memory. It becomes something you did together, not something you made them do.

6. Be Flexible, Not Forceful

Consistency matters, perfection doesn’t. That’s the mindset that helps a reading habit grow.

Let’s be honest, you probably won’t hear a perfect story every night. And that’s okay. Some days will be off, your job is to keep the habit alive. 

• On the hard days, adjust. Read to them instead, it still counts!
• If a book isn’t working, swap it out. 
• Change the time if bedtime is too hectic.
• Adjust the challenge if you feel it isn’t working.

This isn’t about being the best reader. It’s about becoming a consistent one.

7. Look Back, Look Forward

Reaching the end of the challenge isn’t the end of your child’s journey, it’s a new opportunity. When you reach a milestone or finish the whole challenge, don’t just tick the last box and move on. 

Pause. Talk. Celebrate.

Use questions like this to help your child reflect: 

• What was your favourite story?
• Which part felt hardest?
• What are you most proud of?

Wrap it up by asking, “What should we do next?”

Maybe it’s a new genre. A themed challenge. Or simply a trip to the bookstore to choose their next adventure. 

Reflection shows your child that reading isn’t something you finish, it’s something you grow with.

Need help asking the right questions? The 5 Finger Retell gives you a simple way to spark rich conversations about what your child reads.

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A Challenge Worth Accepting

A personal reading challenge builds more than just reading skills. It teaches your child to set goals, manage time, and stick with something hard.

You want to raise a confident, curious reader. This is a powerful way to begin.

Get Your Personal Reading Challenge Started Tonight 

Download the free printable Reading Challenge Tracker. 

Make it yours. Personalise it. Use it tonight. You’re the best person to guide your child, and I’ve got your back.