Accelerated Reader (grades 3rd-5th)

We are happy to announce the implementation of the Accelerated Reader (AR) program in grades three through five. Accelerated Reader (AR) program is a widely-used, effective software program that personalizes and provides effective reading practice for each student's current reading level.

 
    Within the next couple of weeks we will start the program in grades three through five. To determine student's reading level, student will take STAR Reader test. Based on this test student is assigned one of the reading levels (ATOS). Students select books at their reading level from over 25,000 titles in the AR book list.

 
    Students are able to choose the books not only at their reading level but also based on their interests. Students read the books at their own pace and upon finishing they take a short quiz on the computer. Passing the quiz is an indication that the student understood what he/she was reading. In having students choose their own books to read, rather than assigning readings to them, the AR program makes reading a much more enjoyable experience. AR motivates children to read and helps pave the way toward lifelong love of reading and learning.

Below are a few ways in which you can help your child choose books.

Book Selection for Accelerated Reader

Option #1

The following process highlights the easiest way to select books for your child. Please follow these 4 simple steps:

• Step 1. Go to http://www.arbookfind.com (click on this link). Select "Parent". On the next page, click on the "Advanced Search" tab.

•  Step 2. On the "Advanced Search" tab, please fill in these fields:
  
  • Interest Level. Choose the Grade Level of your child - LG (K-3), MG (4-8).
  • ATOS Book Level. Type the ATOS Book Level (your child's teacher gave you a paper listing the ATOS level). For instance, 3.0 - 3.8.
  • Additional Criteria. These fields may remain blank; however, it will narrow your search if you choose to fill in these fields.
    • All Topics - Select a topic that is interesting to your child. 
    • List of genres - Select the genre your child is interested in ex. Fiction. 
    • Language - Select the language your child prefers to read.
  • Select "Go" to get your child's book list.

• Step 3. Discuss the options with your child, and let him/her decide what he would like to read about.
  • Have your child look at the book covers and choose the ones he would like to read.
  • Click on the books and read their descriptions to your child.

• Step 4. Reserve and pick up your child's books. Go to the library catalog http://librarycatalog.pima.gov/ to order your books, or just drive directly to the library and the librarian will help you.
  • From your computer or a library terminal, you may either...
    • type the book titles to locate and/or reserve the books, or
    • take your child to the library. Let him/her look at the selected books and pick out which ones they would like to read.

Option #2

Your teacher will give you a list of books within your child's level of reading. (Note: the list is limited and does not contain all the possible titles). You can go to the website of your local library and reserve 5-10 books from the list. Here's how to reserve books from the list:

• Step 1. Look at the book titles on the list. Ask your child if he/she is interested in any titles.
• Step 2. Go to the library's website here: http://librarycatalog.pima.gov
• Step 3. Type the book titles. Reserve the books.
• Step 4. Take your child to the library. Let him/her look at the selected books and pick a few books.

Lastly, don't worry if some of the books are not available in the local library. There is a big list containing thousands of titles; simply choose other titles.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding Accelerated Reader, please contact your homeroom teacher or Mrs. Perry at extension #23.