Winter Reading Challenge: Free Printable Planner for Year 3
Winter Reading Challenge is a free printable planner for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2. Log your reading and earn a bookmark and a certificate It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This planner includes a table to fill in.
A look at what children will meet:
- Book title
- Minutes read
- I liked it (circle 1 to 5 stars)
Who this is for
Year 3 (ages 7 to 8) in Key Stage 2.
Key Stage 2 covers Years 3 to 6, ages 7 to 11. Children are widening what they know and getting better at explaining their thinking, so activities that ask them to reason, not only recall, are especially useful. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Reading log
- Reading for pleasure
- Giving opinions
Children build a reading habit by logging books and rating them.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: English. Key stage: Key Stage 2. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- A child can fill this in alone after each reading session and a grown-up can initial each row. Count picture books, books read aloud together, and audiobooks followed with the book in hand.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Let the child count a book once they have finished a chapter, and allow shared reading with a grown-up.
To stretch confident children
Ask the child to write one sentence about their favourite of the six, saying why they would or would not recommend it to a friend.
Make it a game
Swap logs with a sibling or friend and each pick the next book from the other's top-rated titles.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Print on plain A4 paper. Black and white printing works too.
- Work through it together the first time, then let children try alone.
- Praise effort and thinking, not only correct answers.
A screen-free english activity for Year 3
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free english activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free english resources for teachers
Teachers can use this planner as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
English ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free english worksheets for Year 3, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider english plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Frequently asked questions
What age is Winter Reading Challenge for?
It is written for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2.
What will children practise?
Children build a reading habit by logging books and rating them.
How do I use it?
A child can fill this in alone after each reading session and a grown-up can initial each row. Count picture books, books read aloud together, and audiobooks followed with the book in hand.
What if it feels too hard?
Let the child count a book once they have finished a chapter, and allow shared reading with a grown-up.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Winter Reading Challenge suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More New Year printables | More for Key Stage 2 | More english printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources