Dear Parents
EL Alsson School is pleased to announce the launch of our new online reading system from Renaissance Learning called Accelerated Reader.
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer program that teachers and staff will use to manage and monitor your child’s reading. This system is extensively used throughout the UK and around the world.
At El Alsson we view reading as central to learning, at every opportunity we take pride in the fact that we constantly promote reading, through guided reading and independent reading in class, weekly library lessons checking children’s reading logs and book fairs.
In line with education practice, teachers are using formative and summative assessments to test your child’s reading skills. From this we have discovered that comprehension of text; the ability to understand what they have read does not always match with the child’s reading ability. Hence, many children are reading but lack the ability to truly understand what they have read.
This system uses a method which puts this at the heart of the scheme. The program allows your child to read at his or her own pace, choosing their own books. The program is broken down into two parts.
Star Reading Tests
The first step an online baseline test, all the children undertake. This test determines a level of independent reading related to their understanding which is called ZPD. The ZPD links to the book levels that your child should select to read. In addition the book level also includes the ATOS book level which represents the difficulty of the text. This diagnostic tool allows the teacher and children to read books which will provide optimal reading challenges without frustration. Success will reinforce your child’s self-esteem and promote enjoyment and greater participation in reading. We will continue to use this tool throughout the year with our existing assessment procedure.
Accelerated Reader
Once the baseline test is completed your child can select books which interest them within their level. After they have read a book they will take a short quiz on the computer. The quiz can only be taken in school. As your child reads more, takes more quizzes they build their reading average which enables them to progresses through their levels. Research has shown that students need to engage in daily and regular reading practice to achieve success. In light of this we have linked the reading practice times to our reading logs which have been reviewed and you will see the changes we have made to the booklet.
Class routines
At El Alsson we will:
- Keep reading logs to record their reading practice.
- Check the AR quiz results immediately to monitor their performance.
- Review the AR diagnostic reports regularly.
- Intervene to ensure successful reading.
- Set student reading targets.
- Use AR learning tools to motivate and reward student’s success.
- Encourage children to use AR book finder.
- Provide a reward system to encourage consistent reading practice.
Choosing books
During the last term we have worked extensively on our class room books and those in the Library to identify the books which are part of the Accelerated Reader program. The books have to be colour coded and labelled with a code (ZPD) this is an ongoing process as new books to the program are added. Furthermore parents can find books online by using AR book finder once the program is running.
AR Book Finder
AR Book Finder is an exciting new web-based book-searching tool from Renaissance Learning. With this free tool you will be able to search and select appropriate and interesting books for your child. See links below.
Find Books and Create Book Lists in Seconds!
Quick Search
To use Quick Search in AR BookFinder:
1. Go to www.arbookfind.com
2. Click the Quick Search tab (on the top of the page).
3. Type a book title, author, topic, or quiz number into the blank field.
4. Click Go.
5. To narrow the results, select any of the options on the left of the screen under Refine Your Search. You can continue to refine your search until you get your desired results.
6. To create a book list from the titles you have found, click Add to AR BookBag below the description of any book you want to add to your list.
Finally, we would like to thank you in advance for your support in taking part in the AR reading program.
Please do take a look at the Accelerated Reading Introduction presentation given to the students.
Finally, on the 28th of Jan we made a visit to the local orphanage that our school supports,. Upon arrival, 9 boys and 7 girls greeted us with warm welcomes and huge smiles. We spent time playing with them, talking to them and gaining insight on their lifestyle. We got to know their dreams and aspirations; some wanted to be doctors, football players and lawyers, whilst others dreamt of marriage and wearing a beautiful white gown on their wedding day. At the end of our visit we gave out the scarves we knitted, each child had their pick, quickly rushing to select their favourite colour. They were all so gracious and full of joy, which triggered a feeling of compassion and satisfaction upon seeing hopeful smiles light up their faces.
