Accelerated Reader
At Hill Top Primary Academy children in Years 2-6 participate in the reading scheme, Accelerated Reader. We want children to read books at their own reading and interest level, so that they enjoy reading by being successful. Best of all they learn and grow at their own pace.
What is Accelerated Reader?
- AR is a computer based programme that helps teachers manage and monitor pupils’ individual reading practice.
- Your child will choose a book at their own level and read it at their own pace.
- When finished, they will take a short quiz on the computer in school. Passing the quiz is an indication that your child has understood the book.
- AR gives both children and teachers feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice.
- AR is used as part of a comprehensive reading programme in place. While we continue to teach the skills of reading in class through group novels and texts, the AR books chosen by your child will provide them with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed.
How does the school determine my child’s reading level?
Every child taking part in AR will complete a STAR reading test between 3-6 times a year. It is a twenty minute multiple choice reading assessment completed individually on the computer. Questions continually adjust to your child’s responses so if their response is correct, the difficulty level is increased. If they miss a question or give an incorrect answer, the difficulty level is reduced.
The STAR reading test, along with teacher judgement assists us in identifying a child’s ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) range.
What is a Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?
- After your child takes a STAR reading test the teacher will assess the results and give them a ZPD reading range. The range aims to challenge a child without causing frustration or loss of motivation.
- The school library has now colour coded the AR fiction books according to their ZPD number.
- To ensure children experience success from the outset they begin each year by taking books at the lower end of their ZPD range. Your child will know their range/colour and the books they should be choosing. A ZPD can change throughout the year based on STAR reading tests, professional judgement and quiz results.
What are the AR Quizzes?
When your child has finished reading a book they will be given time to take a quiz independently on the computer. We aim for all quizzes to be taken within 48 hours of finishing a book. Depending on book level the quiz may be 5, 10 or 20 questions long and will take around 5 -10 minutes to complete. The quiz assesses general comprehension of the book and results are calculated and shown to the child instantly.
The number of quizzes continues to grow as new books are added to AR. Your child can take a quiz when:
they have read a book independently
a teacher has read a book to them, e.g. class novel
they have read a book with someone, e.g. parent/classroom assistant/sibling/buddy
How much will my child read during the school day?
According to research, children who read at least 25 minutes a day with a 90% success rate on AR quizzes see the greatest gains. Therefore, we aim to set aside at least 25 minutes for reading each school day.