Accelerated Reader
What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader is an on-line tool used for monitoring and managing independent reading practice, motivating pupils to read for pleasure. It is aimed to engage pupils with their reading, increasing their reading comprehension, understanding of the text and improve vocabulary skills.
Our UNIQUE School Website Link:
https://global-zone61.renaissance-go.com/welcomeportal/8820419
How does it work?
Pupils take a STAR reading test. They answer multiple choice questions and the test itself becomes easier/harder depending on if children answer the questions correctly. This test gives pupils their ZPD. We will be testing once a term to measure pupil’s progress.
What is a ZPD?
ZPD stands for ‘Zone of Proximal Development’ and simply means the level a pupil can read at that is not too easy that they become bored and not too difficult that they become frustrated. Pupils will be given a range between two numbers eg. 3.5 – 5.5, this means that they can choose books from within their range.
How do pupils choose their book?
They can visit the school library; it has been organised to help pupils choose books within their individual ranges. Pupils can also select books from the reading areas within their classrooms and around school, books have been colour coded and labelled to support pupils with selecting a book they would like to read that is within their ZPD range. First pupils need to go the area where the books have been labelled with their ZPD colour range, each colour sticker has the ZPD number written on so they can then select a book they would like to read. Pupils can then read and enjoy their book independently, making sure they also read parts of it at home as well.
What happens after pupils finish their books?
Pupils need to take a quiz! They can take the quiz on school computers, laptops or iPads. It is recommended that they quiz within 24 hours of finishing the book but after the weekend is fine too. The quiz will be either 5, 10 or 20 multiple choice questions, depending on how long the book is. There is no time limit, and pupils need 60% of the questions answered correctly to pass. 85%+ is even better! Their results are displayed at the end, along with how many points they win and how many words they have read in the book.
What if a pupil has less than 60% of correct answers in their quiz?
They can read the book again in its whole or in parts and give the quiz another go, erasing the previous score. Or they can leave the quiz on their record and move on to another book. Choosing a new book with a slightly lower ZPD may help them to improve next time.
Can my child do their quizzes at home?
Yes! We encourage your child to take their reading quiz as soon as they finish their book. They can do this by following the link: https://global-zone61.renaissance-go.com/welcomeportal/8820419, and using their log in details which they use in school.
Otherwise, there is still plenty of opportunities in the school day for them to do this, including:
During morning registration time
During after-lunch registration time
Or other appropriate times at the direction of their class teacher
Why do pupils have to take a quiz?
Quizzes measure pupil’s understanding of what they have read. The quizzing tool also helps us as a school to see how many books children have read, the average level they are choosing within their range. It is a real celebration of their enjoyment of a book too.
We have lots of books at home, can my child read those?
You can access AR Book Finder at www.arbookfind.co.uk to check! Search for the book and if the ZPD is within your child’s range, then they can read the book and later quiz at school. You can also search by your child’s ZPD to help when selecting books from your local library.
How can I help?
As much as Accelerated Reader supports independent/free reading, this still needs to be recorded in your child’s reading record. It is a good idea to still discuss the events of what your child has read also. Try to read at least part of the book with your child, so they are still practising reading aloud to an adult. We will be continuing to listen to each child read in school during timetabled reading sessions.
