My first grader is required to read for 30 minutes a day, and his reading log is collected weekly. The log has a section on the back to describe your favorite book this week and draw a picture of your favorite scene.

I view the daily reading requirement as worthwhile, and the reading log as a waste of time.

I hate reading aloud too. We still do SOME out-loud reading to our kids, even to the one reading Harry Potter, but I'm glad they're doing more of the reading themselves.