Accelerated Reader is a independent reading program used here at Rancho for students in Grades 2-5. For more information about this program, you might want to visit the following website: http://www.renlearn.com/ar

At Rancho, the program is designed to encourage frequent reading at a child's INDEPENDENT reading level. Each child will be tested once a semester to determine his/her ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development). This is the reading range at which your child will be most successful in reading and comprehending text.

Once your student has received his reading range and point goals from me, he/she may begin checking out books from my library or the school library to read each night for homework. It is recommended that students in grade 3 read at least 2 picture books a night or 2 chapters in a chapter book each night (depending on length) in order to successfully meet their trimester AR goals. Alternatively, students may want to read and quiz on 1 picture book each night  and 1 chapter book each week.  The next day, your student will need to take an independent reading comprehension quiz on the finished books.  These quizzes may be taken in the school library, the computer lab, or in my classroom.  The best times to take a quiz are:  1)  before school between 8:40-8:55 a.m.; 2) at recess time if I don't have recess duty and I am in the classroom; 3) during literacy rotation time in the classroom; 4) during computer lab or library time; 5) during job time at the end of the day; and 6) after school between 3:20-3:30 in the library or in my classroom.  Students may take their books to the computer with them and should refer back to the books to confirm their answers.  This is a good test-taking strategy.  Your child will hear me say over and over again this year:  "RETURN TO THE TEXT TO PROVE YOUR ANSWER CORRECT!"
 
IT IS YOUR CHILD'S RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE THESE QUIZZES REGULARLY.

Upon request, I will send home an AR update report.  Just email me and I will print one out for your child to take home.  This will allow you to see if your child is making adequate progress towards meeting his/her goal.  It has been my experience that the children who are consistent and diligent in reading their AR books are also those who are the most successful students.  It is definitely true that the more words/books that your child reads, the better student he or she will be in all areas.  If your child is struggling with the AR quizzes, try this:  Go to http://www.bookadventure.com and have him/her take a "practice quiz" on the book.  Not all of the AR book titles are available on this site, but many are.  It is a good way for you to see if your child adequately comprehended the book or needs further review with you.  Even if you do not have time to complete other homework, PLEASE make sure that your child reads his/her AR book EVERY NIGHT!  Thanks!