| Author: | Mark Heaton | |||
| Posted: | 3/24/2006; 1:36:34 PM | |||
| Topic: | Mr. Heaton's Accelerated Reader Program | |||
| Msg #: | 696 (top msg in thread) | |||
| Prev/Next: | 620/ | |||
| Reads: | 656 |
Accelerated Reader
The Accelerated Reader program was created to help foster a love of independence reading in students. Independent reading means reading books in your personal time. We learn to read by reading, and the more we read the better readers we become. Reading is the key ingredient to success in all areas of school. In addition, regular independence reading has many positive outcomes in our lives: it stimulates the brain keeping in fresh and alert, it opens our minds and our lives to new creative ways of thinking; overall, lifelong reading enriches our lives. Believe it or not, research shows that persons who read on a regular basis live longer, happier lives.
How the 8th Grade Accelerated Reader Program Works:
- Take the S.T.A.R.S. reading test to determine your independent reading level
- You will receive a slip from Mrs. Wright with your "ZPD". Your ZPD contains a lower number and higher number. This represents your independent reading range.
- When you visit the library, check out books that fall within your ZPD range.
- Read the book independently (some time will be provided at school - one day every other week - but the bulk of your reading should be done at home).
- After completing the book, take a computerized test over it to earn points to achieve your goal.
Setting Personal Reading Goals:
After meeting with your English teacher and discussing your reading interests and previous year’s goals, you will set your own personal reading goal for each 9 weeks- This is an
individual goal and will be different among students.
Quarterly Requirements:
You determine your own grade by the percentage of your point goal achieved. Example: If your goal for the semester is 40 pts. and you achieve 30 pts. then your reading grade is a 75%
How will Accelerated Reader Affect Your English Grade?
Motivational Incentives
I understand that not everyone enjoys reading, that those who do also have other activities; and yes, some dislike reading altogether. Because of these realities, I have tried to create some fun incentives to help motivate the reluctant reader and hopefully make reading an enjoyable and successful part of each student’s life. The following are current examples of incentives I use for eighth graders:
A Reading Theme Bulletin Board that tracks progress of classes and individuals. Classes compete to reach their overall goals, and individuals receive personal recognition as well.
This year’s theme is Get the Scoop, Reading is Cool. On the class bulletin board are ice cream cones - giant cones for classes and small cones for individuals. When a class reaches targeted goals of say 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, a scoop of ice cream is added to the cone.Class Rewards
At the end of the semester / year if a class reaches 90-100% of its goal, they are rewarded with ice cream and a movie!
Individual Rewards
- 50% of goal - student may bring a beverage to class on one designated reading day.
- 75% of goal - student may bring a beverage and a snack (candy bar, chips, etc.) to class on one designated reading day.
- 100% of goal - student may bring a beverage and a snack (candy bar, chips, etc.) to class on any / every designated reading day.
Personal Recognition
Making a Personal Commitment
The Accelerated Reader Program is designed to foster independent reading. Remember, independent reading means reading books primarily during your personal time. To achieve success make a personal commitment to read outside of the school setting.
Simple Proven Strategies for Success:
Read at home on a regular basis.Use your daily reading log to Keep track of how many pages you’ve read. This is a great way to see your effort bringing you closer to achieving your personal goals.
Block out 30 minutes for reading every day (a little bit each day and you’ll finish a book in no time! )
Make a list of your other personal activities. Are you spending a large portion of time in
one area? For example, watching TV, or
playing video games, or talking on the telephone.
Reward yourself for reading every evening. For instance, if you have a favorite program
that you like to watch, make a point of reading for 30 minutes before you watch
it.
Visit your Broken Bow Public Library often; there are great books there!
Notice the sense of accomplishment you feel when you’ve finished a book!Return to Mr. Heaton's Classroom
