Accelerated Reader (AR) is an online program designed to assess a child's reading comprehension and encourage independent reading. Here's a breakdown to help you explain it to parents:
What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader isn't about teaching kids how to read. It's a tool that:
- Encourages Reading: It motivates students to read books at their reading level.
- Monitors Comprehension: It uses quizzes to check if students understand what they've read.
- Tracks Progress: It helps teachers and parents track a student's reading growth over time.
How Does it Work?
The process generally involves these steps:
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Reading Practice: Students choose books, either fiction or non-fiction, at their reading level and read them independently, with a partner, or in a group. This is the most important part! AR is about encouraging reading for pleasure and knowledge.
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Taking a Quiz: After finishing a book, the student takes a short online quiz. These quizzes check their understanding of the plot, characters, and main ideas.
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Earning Points: Students earn points based on their quiz performance. These points can be used to track progress and sometimes for rewards within the classroom (determined by the teacher).
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Monitoring Progress: Teachers use AR data to monitor each student's progress, identify areas where they might be struggling, and suggest appropriate books for them to read next.
Key Benefits for Students:
- Personalized Reading Experience: Students can choose books that interest them, which fosters a love of reading.
- Increased Reading Comprehension: Regular quizzing helps students focus on understanding what they read.
- Tracking and Motivation: Seeing their progress and earning points can be highly motivating for some students.
- Development of Reading Habits: The program encourages students to read regularly and independently.
Important Considerations for Parents:
- Focus on the Love of Reading: Encourage your child to choose books they enjoy. AR should complement, not replace, the joy of reading.
- Avoid Pressure: Don't pressure your child to only read books with high point values. The goal is comprehension and engagement, not just racking up points.
- Communicate with the Teacher: If you have concerns about your child's experience with AR, talk to their teacher.
- Don't Help With Quizzes: Resist the urge to help your child answer quiz questions. The goal is to assess their independent comprehension.
- Reading Together is Still Important: Even if your child is using AR independently, continue to read aloud to them and discuss books together.
Example Scenario:
"Imagine your child reads 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.' After finishing the book, they'll log into the Accelerated Reader website and take a short quiz about the story. If they understand the book well, they'll earn points that contribute to their reading goals. This helps the teacher see how they're progressing and recommend other books they might enjoy."
By understanding these key components, you can clearly and effectively explain Accelerated Reader to parents, emphasizing its role in fostering a love of reading and improving comprehension.
