Reading Rewards: An Incentive-Based Reading Log System at Your Finger Tips

Reading Rewards is an incentive-based app that uses a rewards system to encourage users to spend time reading and logging the time they spend reading into this app. To begin, users will need to download and register with the app. (Users must be 13 or older to use this app.) As they register, users will need to enter in their birthdate and choose an avatar. Once completed, users will be able to access the app’s different sections.

The “My Stats” section shows the user’s name, when they joined Reading Rewards, how many minutes they have logged reading, the last book read, and additional information.

The “Log” section allows users to input their reading activities into the the app. To do so, users will need to tap the “+” button on the top right of the screen. They will then have the option to search for the book. Next, users will need to input when they read the book, the minutes they spent reading the book, how many pages they read, any comments they may have, and if they did or did not finish the book.

The “Connect” section gives users the opportunity to reach out to other users they may know who are using this app. To reach out to them, users will need to tap the “+” button on the top right of the screen and search for them by name. Names that match the search term appear, and users can then invite them. In this section, users can also join groups, send messages to one another, and view blog entries by groups.

The “Rewards” section provides prizes for users based on how many minutes they spent reading. (The app converts the minutes to miles.) Users can purchase a prize, if they have enough miles, by clicking the “buy” button next to the prize. In addition, users can click the “Request Reward” option, and it asks users to enter in the email of a parent or guardian. By doing so, the app sends the parent an email explaining that their child requested a reward, and it offers them ideas of potential rewards (e.g., movie night, choosing dessert, etc.). In that email, it also provides directions for parents/guardians to download the app and input a reward.

The “More” section provides access to the app’s newsfeed, allows them to pick a new avatar, toggle on/off notifications, modify settings, change password, and logout.

Instructional Ideas for Reading Rewards

1. During the school year, teachers can have students download this app on their device or a device they can access at school. Next, teachers can make silent sustained reading part of their regularly scheduled day or week. At the end of each silent sustained reading period, teachers can have student update their reading log using this app.
2. During breaks and over the summer, teachers can encourage students to continue reading and logging their time spent reading using this app. When they return to school, the students’ new teacher can have them continue using this app.
3. Teachers can share this app and their plans to use it with parents/guardians at an open house event and/or during conferences. During that explanation, teachers can encourage parents/guardians to register with the app and use it to monitor their child’s reading by using the “request reward” feature in this app. Teachers can further encourage parents/guardians to ask questions about the books their children are reading. Plus, they can read the same books as their child, which can lead to wonderful conversations.

Screenshots for Reading Rewards

Ratings for Reading Rewards

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