If you read my Post titled “What Do Pirates Read” you already know that my Pirates read ALOT, ….. EVERYDAY.

For the younger Pirates who still read relatively short books this can be very difficult to keep up with. Particularly if you have more than one Pirate on the same reading level, which I currently do. So I had to create a system for keeping track. I find it very helpful and easy to implement, so I thought I’d share it with you for this weeks “Works For Me Wednesday” entry.

The only supplies you will need are a Sharpie marker, plastic dishpans from the $ store ( 2 more than the # of Pirates ), lots of “I Can Read” type of books from the thrift store (15¢ each at my Texas Thrift Store). A minimum of 40 books per Pirate would be a good start.

Most of these type books have a reading level stated on the cover, usually 1 – 4. If they don’t, you need to do this. Just compare the text with one that is already labeled, use yer sharpie and write the number on the OUTSIDE front cover. Don’t let this activity hang you up. You bought the book, if you label it “wrongly” your crew will not mutiny, they probably won’t even notice. This is not a big deal, it’s just for your benefit.

Next you will consult with the Pirates. If they’ve already read any of these books, write their name INSIDE the back cover.

Now get yer dishpans and write yer Pirates name on their own dishpan and from henceforth refer to it as “Yer Book Box” Put the books you want that Pirate to read in his own book box. This box goes on his bunk at the foot. It won’t be in the way because he’s short and doesn’t use the whole bed anyway.

Label one of the extra dishpans “Already Read” and the other “Haven’t Been Read”, and use them accordingly.

Now you’re set! Every day after the lunch dishes are clean and the Pirates have their “Boredom Training”, they’re all set to read.

Once a week (Mondays seem to work the best) go through the box and write names in books that have been read, refill the box with books that haven’t been read, and at some point you’ll need to go back to the thrift store and get 40 or 50 more books.

Works for me!

Before I go, let me remind you of a few things.

• Vision Forum is having a super 4 day sale, buy $95 worth of products and get a $50 gift certificate, hurry, this sale ends tomorrow.
• Enter my giveaway, if you haven’t already.
• You don’t always get what you expect, but you usually DO get what you inspect.
• Kiss yer babies and have a great day!

Related posts:

1. Books! Books! Books!
2. Good Reads
3. Book Swap Time Already?
4. The Plan – part 2 – Homeschool
5. Homeschooling back at the ranch