A/R is a reading program used to motivate students to read, increase their reading comprehension, and advance their reading levels. The A/R software is the world’s most popular reading management software, used in nearly 60,000 schools.
Why is reading so important?
There is a proven link between strong reading skills and academic success – great readers make great students!
How does it work?
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The teacher assigns a monthly reading point goal to each student.
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The student reads a book from the A/R list. There are over 5,000 books available in Walnut Canyon’s A/R system, and we’re continually adding more (from over 70,000 available to purchase).
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The student takes the A/R computer test on the book, which tests their comprehension and other literary skills.
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The student earns points for each question answered correctly on the test. They earn the full points by answering all test questions correctly.
What is a ZPD?
Each student’s reading level is assessed and they are assigned a Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). This is a set of numbers that indicates their lowest reading level and their highest reading level. Students choose books in this range to make sure they are reading books that are not too easy or too difficult for their current reading level. The students are retested on their ZPD about every three months.
For example, a student with a ZPD of 3.7 – 4.5 has a reading level between third grade, seventh month (3.7) and fourth grade, fifth month (4.5). They should choose books rated within this range so they are reading books that are not too easy or too difficult.
What makes it so FUN?
Walnut Canyon’s PTA wants to provide the best advantages for all our students, and strongly supports the A/R reading program. Each month, every child achieving its monthly A/R reading point goal is awarded a fun prize from the PTA! It’s a great way to encourage reading and make the A/R program a positive, fun experience. The students love getting their A/R prizes, and are motivated to reach their goals each month.
What about Kindergarten?
Although our kindergarteners are usually not independent reading yet, and thus cannot take A/R tests, they are still included in the A/R program. Each month, a PTA volunteer visits each Kindergarten classroom and reads stories to the children. Then each kindergartener is awarded a prize, too. This serves as an early introduction to the A/R program they will start in first grade.
How can I help my child?
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Promote reading at home: encourage them to read, read to them, let them see you reading.
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Ask about their A/R program and monthly point goals. Congratulate them when they meet their monthly goals. Watch for their fun prizes to come home on award day.
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If you have ½ hour once a month, you can help award the A/R prizes to students meeting their A/R goals. Prizes are awarded on the first Thursday of each month, first in the morning. If you’d like to read to a Kindergarten class, readings are scheduled on Friday at noon. If want to help out with this really fun program, contact Mary at mhipes@pacbell.net for more information.
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The PTA A/R theme for 2007/2008 is "Reading Makes Me Smile!", so cheer on your child and start growing a reader today!