Accelerated Reader
Accelerated Reader (AR): A Reading Program for Your Child
Accelerated Reader is a computer-based program used in many schools to help students become independent readers. It's designed to encourage students to read more, choose books that are at their reading level, and understand what they read. We use it from Year 2 upwards, but not all children will reach it in Year 2 as it follows on from our phonics program.
How it works:
Reading Assessment: Students take a short computer test to determine their reading level. We test the children four times a year: once in September, December, March and June. The tests take about 20 minutes to complete and are done in the classrooms with members of staff
Book Selection: Based on the test results, AR suggests books that are appropriate for your child's reading ability. These are known as 'book levels' or ZPDs. Each book is analysed for its complexity and given a score from 0.1 to 12.0. The Star Assessment test will recommend a range of book levels that children will be most comfortable reading from. Children are encouraged to read from within their range at least 65% of the time. They can choose things that are above or below their range occasionally if they want to.
Independent Reading: Students read the chosen book at their own pace. We give children 30 minutes a day (in KS2) for independent reading, but we do expect children to read either to an adult or to themselves every night.
Comprehension Quiz: After finishing the book, students take a short quiz on the computer to check their understanding. These quizzes are completed on a computer in the classroom and are low stakes. However, they do provide us with useful information about whether a child is reading enough, and whether they are understanding what they are reading.
Points and Rewards: Students earn points for successfully completing quizzes. These points can sometimes be used to earn rewards or privileges.
Benefits of AR:
Personalized Reading: AR helps students find books they'll enjoy and can understand.
Increased Reading Motivation: The points and rewards system encourages students to read more.
Improved Comprehension: The quizzes help students check their understanding of what they read.
Track Progress: Teachers can monitor students' reading progress and provide support as needed.
By using AR, your child can develop a love of reading and become a confident and successful reader.
If your child is a keen reader and they want to read books that aren't yet in our library, you can check the book level of a book by going to www.arbookfind.co.uk