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1. Accelerated Reader 101 Linda Sears,
Library Media Specialist
Oak Mountain Intermediate School
October 22, 2009
3. The vocabulary AR—Accelerated Reader, a computerized reading management program
ZPD—Zone of Proximal Development, the range where students should be able to read and understand books well enough to pass the AR test, maintaining an 90% or higher average
LMC—Library Media Center, Bookingham Palace, Library
4. How Accelerated Reader Works Choose a book you like
Read it carefully
Take the AR test within a day or two of finishing the book—no more than a weekend if at all possible
5. Accelerated Reader Goals ..\Accelerated Reader\AR Goal sheet.doc
6. How Do You Know What To Read? Select a book from our AR test list
If you are signed up for Renaissance Place Home Connect, check there
If your child knows their Destiny username and password, check there
7. OMIS library books are marked with a yellow sticker. Inside is a sticker giving the book level.
8. How Do You Know What Level? Students are tested with STAR to recommend appropriate levels
Students are given their ZPD Zone of Proximal Development or reading range (also called book level).
9. STAR testing is done 3 times each year
beginning, middle, end.
Some teachers may test more often.
10. Other Factors Influence Comprehension prior knowledge
interest
help with reading (being read to or reading with someone else)
external factors (emotions, physical conditions, lighting, etc.)
11. Student reading ranges Students should read what THEY like.
We DO encourage them to be reading in their ZPD. We do NOT limit them to reading only in their range. They may read above or below, keeping in mind that their goal includes having an 90% or higher overall average after they are accustomed to AR.
12. Who Participates? All OMIS fourth and fifth graders can participate.
Some students will participate more than others, but all students are expected to meet requirements as set by classroom teacher and LMS.
Each child should be taking a test a week, keeping an 90% or higher average and reading (on average) in their ZPD.
13. Parent encouragement is vital Let them see you reading
Ask them how they are doing on their average and check RenPlace Home Connect weekly.
Check Vocabulary Quizzes
Discuss what they are reading with them
Read to them or with them
14. Parents can: Make books available
Make time for the student to read
Help the student find books they LIKE to read
Suggest books you liked when you were their age
15. Parents can: Ask what if questions to encourage higher order thinking
Alternate chapters, pages or voices when reading aloud.
Reduce pressure; increase comfort level
16. Parents can encourage all types of reading by: Spending time in a local book store
Visiting a library other than your usual one
Scheduling a regular summer visiting day to your local library
Providing brochures, maps, etc. for students to prepare for vacation trips you are going on or would like to go on
Supervising cooking activities where student follows a written recipe
17. Parents can: Ask students questions about what they have just finished reading
Listen to audio books in the car as you travel
Set goals with their child
Go over student record report that comes home with report card
18. What’s Important Emphasis should be on overall average (90% or higher), reading range, and meeting their goals rather than accumulating points.
19. What’s Important Students should be encouraged to read a wide variety of books--fiction, nonfiction, AR and non-AR books.
20. Tips If, after the first chapter or two, you’re not enjoying the book, choose another one!
Read aloud, with a partner, or have someone read to you.
21. More Tips Don’t try to take the test from a movie or an abridged, edited or condensed book.
If at first you don’t succeed,
try another book.
22. How Much Time Should a Child Read? Students need to read a minimum of 60 minutes every day, including weekends.
Time spent does not have to be consecutive; it includes school and home time.
23. AR Recognition Get a free paperback book each 9 weeks goals are met
Earn rank, get your name on the Hall of Fame
At 350 points, receive an AR T-shirt
Certificates for meeting goals and achieving rank
24. Renaissance Place Home Connect Home Connect (click here to access)
You can connect with the above address or using the OMIS website, Library Information, Book Fair & Links