Hillview International School uses the Accelerated Reader (AR) reading development programme to engage students, motivate reading practice and improve reading progress. All students from Years 2 to 8 are enrolled in the programme.
What is Accelerated Reader?
AR is an online reading scheme which manages and monitors independent reading practice, and encourages reading for pleasure for students of all abilities.
Your child chooses a book at his/her level and reads it at his/her own pace. When finished, your child takes a short book quiz on the computer (passing the quiz is an indication your child has read and understood what was read). AR gives both students and staff feedback based on the quiz results which the librarian then uses to help your child set targets and direct ongoing reading practice.
Reading levels are determined by bi-termly assessments using STAR reading. STAR is a computer adaptive test that quickly and accurately establishes students’ reading levels and attainment.
Students using AR choose their own books to read, rather than having one assigned to them. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books which are interesting for them. Our librarian helps students choose books at an appropriate level that are challenging without being frustrating, ensuring your child can pass the quiz and experience success.
How can your child find interesting and rewarding books to read?
AR book finder https://www.arbookfind.com/ is an exciting, free, online book-searching tool. Students and parents can quickly and easily generate book lists that contain titles based on criteria such as book level, topic, or interest level, in the knowledge that there is an AR quiz available for each book.
The rewards of reading
All students are encouraged to achieve Word Millionaire status i.e. to read a million words or more in their current school year. Word Millionaires are then given individual Book Point targets to encourage reading of more complex texts. High book quiz scores are rewarded with House Points and a reading trophy is awarded to the House that has read the most words.
Can I help my child become a better reader?
As with anything, performance improves practice. Encourage your child to read at home. Create a culture of reading in your household by reading with your child, starting a home library, visiting your local bookshop on a regular basis, letting your child see you reading and discussing books that you have read. When reading with your child, stop and ask them questions to be sure your child has understood what was read. Reading with your child, no matter their age, is an important part of developing a good reader and building a lifelong love of reading and learning. Make reading a family affair!
Research
The National Literacy Trust published a report into the reading habit of students using AR:
“Children and young people who use AR tend to enjoy reading more, do it more often and think more positively about reading than their peers who do not use AR. They are also more likely to see a link between reading and success.”