What is it?
Accelerated Reader is a commercial system published by Renaissance Learning. Briefly, after your child reads a book, he/she notifies the teacher who will allow him/her to take a quiz concerning that book. The quiz is usually taken on a computer located in their own classroom. If the student passes the test, they earn points based on the quiz score, the reading level of the book, and the point value of the book. Points are accumulated for recognition and prizes.
Why is it?
The purpose of the Accelerated Reader Program is to:
Encourage Reading and to Develop a Lifelong Love of Reading
Encourage Critical Thinking and Comprehension of the Material Read
Allow Teachers to Evaluate Your Child's Reading Ability
How do we do it?
Accelerated Reader Books are everywhere! Many teachers have appropriate level books in their classroom collection.
The Blanchard Media Center. Look for books that have a colored dot on the spine of the book! The color of the dot indicates the reading level. Check the color key on the wall's to decode the reading level. (Hint: These books are so popular, they rarely make it back onto the shelf. Check the carts!)
At your community library or book store.
Your home library.