Motivating Readers Through Accelerated Reader
I am a big fan of AR, when it is implemented in thoughtful and exciting ways. At our school we do not use the point system, where students receive points for passing the tests. This was because points are given even if students fail the test with a 60%. That isn't passing, it is simply getting credit for no work. Instead we have a different approach. We count tests passed with 80% or better. We do competitions to encourage the students to read and test. Some competitions are based on words read, so are based on tests passed, and some are based on percentages. We have discovered that even the most reluctant reader gets the urge when a competition is in place. At the end of competitions, a party takes place. I ask the students all the time, "Do we read for prizes and parties?" and the always say, "NO! We read to become better readers!" Here are a few of the challenges and themes we have used successfully. Will it reach every reader? Unfortunately, no...but we have seen a greater interest in reading since implementing these activities.
Pirate Challenge- Students had to pass tests with a 90% or better to mark off a step on the pirate map.
| pirate_walk_challenge.docx |
Super Reader challenge- Students had goals for words read during a time frame. At the celebration we took pictures with the Super Hero Reader.
| super_reader_word_challenge_poster.docx |
| super_reader_word_challenge.pdf |
Bucks for Books- We did a fundraiser for robots using an AR challenge
| bucksforbooks.docx |
Percents Challenge- Students tried to make the highest percentages possible.
| arpercentschallenge.docx |
Once Upon a Time We Read A Lot of Books Fairy Tale Challenge- Students read and pass as many books as possible in the time given.
| once_upon_a_time_challenge.docx |
Racing to Read- Students were given a word count and had to finish those words in the allotted time. Pictures are from the party. We had tire cookies (Oreo's) and students got racing pencils and feather pens. We took pictures with a cut out race car driver.
| racing_to_read.docx |
Other themes we have used/plan to use:
Goal!!!!- Students set a reasonable, yet challenging goal. On the challenge bulletin board sports balls added when students achieve goal.
Shoot for the Stars- Students work for 80% or better scores for 10 books. Stars added to the wall when students make their goal.
Climb high with AR- Students try for 90% for 7 books. Mountain climbers added to the mountain when they get the meet goal
It's a Jungle Out There- Students read nonfiction books and pass 8 with 80% or more. Jungle animals are added when students reach their goal.
"Bee" a good reader- Students have a bee hive to fill in as they read and pass tests. When they fill their hive (10 books), they get a sweet surprise!
Goal!!!!- Students set a reasonable, yet challenging goal. On the challenge bulletin board sports balls added when students achieve goal.
Shoot for the Stars- Students work for 80% or better scores for 10 books. Stars added to the wall when students make their goal.
Climb high with AR- Students try for 90% for 7 books. Mountain climbers added to the mountain when they get the meet goal
It's a Jungle Out There- Students read nonfiction books and pass 8 with 80% or more. Jungle animals are added when students reach their goal.
"Bee" a good reader- Students have a bee hive to fill in as they read and pass tests. When they fill their hive (10 books), they get a sweet surprise!
Planbook
