Free Printable Kids Screen Time & Reading Punch Cards
Track your kids summer reading with this free reading punch cards printable!
Need help limiting screen time for your kids this summer?
If too much screen time is an issue in your house like it is at mine, here’s a helpful tool to encourage some good habits like reading and helping around the house.
These free printable reading and screen time cards are perfect to use over the summer when too much time on devices can be even more of an issue since school is out.
Get the kids reading & doing other screen-free activities!
I’ve created one punch card to encourage reading, and another to keep track of screen time. You can work with your child to set goals and parameters for each card. There are tons of highly-rated kids’ books on Amazon that your kiddos would love, so why not encourage them to reach a new goal this summer?
For example, on the reading punch card, your child could earn one “punch” for every 30 minutes of reading they do. You may decide that a different amount of time would be more appropriate for your child, depending on their age, ability level, and individual goals.
When their punch card is full, they may then “redeem” it for the reward you agreed upon when you set their goal! The goal can be anything from going to the movies or making a yummy dessert. It’s a great way to encourage a great activity.
Screen Time & Reading Printable Punch Cards for Kids
PrintSupplies Needed
Directions
1
For the Reading Punch Card:
- Print the card on heavy card stock paper.
- Set a goal for how much time you’d like your child to read.
- Agree on a reward or incentive based on what your child would enjoy, like a fun experience or a new toy.
- Use a hole punch to keep track of your child’s progress until they reach their goal.
- Have them redeem their completed punch card for the agreed-upon reward.
2
For the Screen Time Punch Card:
- Print the card on heavy card stock paper.
- Decide how much screen time each punch is worth.
- Give the card to your child and let him/her know that it represents their allotted screen time for the next month or “x” number of weeks.
- When your child completes chores, reads, or does something outstanding, highlight a circle on the card each time they EARN screen time.
- Use a hole punch to put a hole in the card when your child wants to redeem a highlighted circle for screen time.
- When your child is out of highlighted circles or their punch card is full, they’re out of screen time until they’re issued a new card.
The screen time struggle is real!
While summer can come with more screen time than usual, hopefully, these punch cards can be a helpful tool for setting some limits and teaching your kids to budget their own time with a little reward as a token of responsibility. Happy reading!
Step away from the screens & have your kids try these fun printable activities instead!
Does anyone have any tips for getting kids to watch *more* TV? My four-year-old refuses to watch TV by himself. It’s really hard on us because my husband and I are both teleworking full time and we also have a baby. We are desperate for even a 30-minute break. Any tips on getting the preschooler to watch TV (or do anything else) by himself would be much appreciated.
My 3 year old won’t watch TV but she will watch her iPad. It has a fun case and also has sorting games she can switch over to. We limit her screen time but I totally understand that sometimes we need a break! Haha. Hope this helps!
Mine likes getEpic.com (he can select read-to-me books or watch videos) and Brainzy.com (from education.com). He also likes ipad game osmo coding awbie and little genius starter kit. He likes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse from Disney+. He also likes lego duplo. These are the activities where he can play independently for a long time (>30 minutes). Every child is different though. I hope this helps you.
mine wont watch TV but getting her a kids Kindle with the freetime (unlimited games) has been a lifesaver for short breaks and car trips (she hates the car). Got it on prime day last year for like $60.
My little one loves Baby Joy Joy on Youtube, he is only 3 now, but has learned so much. I tried teaching colors, songs, shapes, etc. to him, but he found it much more enjoyable from this.
What a great idea! My daughter was really good about screen time because she was always running around to events/sport/friends but since covid she has watched way too much. I think this will be a great way for us both to keep track of how much she’s watching as well as reading so she doesn’t get the “summer slump”. Thanks! I have a feeling I’ll be printing many of these!
Any tips on where to get hole punches for cheap?
U could use the 40% off coupon and go to hobby lobby .keep in mind the chunky scrap book Type punch may work better like a heart shape one. Good luck