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Three Ways to do Reading Records on Tapestry

by Jack on July 30

We have had a few requests from customers about a “Reading Record” on Tapestry. While it’s unlikely this will be a feature we add in the near future, hopefully this article will explain a few ways you can use the existing features as a reading record.

 

1. Observations

This is probably the most obvious way you can keep a record of a child’s reading on Tapestry. Logistically how you run this is up to you; one of the best things about Tapestry is its versatility! But I imagine you write an observation, title it “[child’s name] is reading [book name] this week [date]”. You could make this observation on the day the child starts a new book and, presumably, it goes home with them. You can use the “notes” or “additional information” fields within the observation to explain any necessary details for the relatives. Such as if the child has read this book already at school, any tricky words you have identified the child might need more support with – whatever you think is needed.

After the reading at home, the relative can then use the “comments” section on the observation to record how it went. This comment thread can then be added to as needed until the book has been completed. You can then start the process again with a different book and updated title.

Keeping all the titles in a similar format will make them easier to search for in the future.

If you are going to try this method, I would recommend making use of “tagging” as well. Simply put #readingrecord (or whatever you would like) into the notes or additional information fields each time you create the observation. This means you can search the hashtag and bring up all the observations that contain it.

 

2. Memos

This will work in very much the same way as observations. Create a memo with a relevant title, link the relatives and write the information in the “notes” section. Again, you and the relative can keep the communication going via the comments box.

The one difference between using Memos and Observations is that Memos are not included in the child’s journal. So, if you would rather keep the reading record out of the journal, you may wish to use Memos instead. You can also use hashtags within Memos so they will be easier to find!

You can enable the Memos feature from Control Panel > Features.

 

3. Activities

The last thing you could try is one of our newer features: Activities. This one makes sense because it was designed to help communicate work that can be done at home.

Again, a similar format as the others – create a new activity for each book you send home. Use the comments feature to provide updates and back and forth communication.

The good thing about activities is that they can be added to your “Collection” and re-used when necessary. So, if another child moves on to a book that you have already made an activity for, you can reuse that activity, assign it to the new child and continue the process.

You can also “clone” activities. This means if different children are taking home the same book, you can clone the activity and just change the relevant information for each child. Now you don’t have to make a whole new Activity each time!

Activities are also not included in the child’s journal and you can enable this feature from Control Panel > Features.

I hope you find these ideas useful! If you do end up trying a reading record using one of these methods let us know how it goes by emailing customer.service@eyfs.info

 

Jack

Product Support Specialist and Education Advisor

Jack started his career in education as a volunteer in a Brighton-based Charity for children with motor disorders. After which he was hired as an assistant conductor. During his time there, he studied at the University of Brighton to qualify as a primary school teacher. After a short stint as a supply teacher, Jack got his first job teaching Year 6. He remained in that role for a few years before moving to Year 4.
Jack joined Tapestry in August 2019 after many hints from his former housemate and now manager, Emily. In his Product Support role, Jack can be found answering customer emails and offering Tapestry advice on the phone. As part of the Education Team, you'll find him writing articles, recording podcasts and offering words of educational wisdom while drinking mugs of coffee.