Twenty Book Reading Challenge

Poster board or large paper

Markers or crayons

Books from home, the library, or school

Draw a chart with 20 numbered squares on poster board.

Decorate together with a title and your child's name.

Set the goal: "Twenty books! Color a square for each one."

Choose and read the first book together.

Write the title in square #1. Let your child color it in.

Ask about the book: "Favorite part? Would you read it again?"

Keep the chart visible — fridge, bedroom door, or near the bookshelf.

Celebrate milestones: #5, #10, and #20 deserve special recognition.

Visual progress trackers work because children can SEE their accomplishment growing. Coloring in square #14 and seeing 13 already completed is incredibly motivating. It transforms reading from "something I should do" to "something I'm achieving."

Mix book types: picture books, early readers, chapter books, nonfiction, comics, poetry. Variety keeps the challenge interesting and exposes your child to different genres.

Let your child choose most of the books. Autonomy in reading selection is one of the biggest predictors of becoming a lifelong reader.

The post-book question is important — it builds comprehension and reflection habits. Keep it casual: one question, not an interrogation.

After completing 20, start a new chart. Many kids want to beat their time or read even more the second round.